Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Gun Rights & Deferred Sentence

You have not provided particulars that allows an attorney to provide a helpful answer. So here are some issues that affect whether you may possess a firearm.

Did you receive a deferred sentence for a felony committed before July 1, 1984? Was the conviction for an offense other than murder, assault, burglary, kidnapping, sex offense, VUCSA - mfg/del/poss w/intent? Did you receive a dismissal?

If you can answer yes to each of these questions, you are likely not prohibited from possessing firearms.

If your deferred sentence was for a crime committed after July 1, 1984, you will have to petition for relief.

If you are currently on probation for this deferred sentence, you will be ineligible to petition until 5 years have passed for felony or 3 years have passed for a DV misdemeanor without additional criminal convictions.

If you are prohibited from possessing firearms, and are not under a court order/sentence prohibiting dangerous weapons, you can hunt with a bow during archery season and with a bow during modern season, provided you avoid situations where it might appear you have firearms under your control.

If you need assistance determining your status, consult an attorney experienced this area of law.

Re: deferred sentence

If it is a charge that limits your right to bear a firearm then you may not go hunting with a firearm.