Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

GENERALLY (i.e., this may not apply to you), a felon is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (ammunition, too) and state law.

In Washington State, a "firearm" includes anything that expels a projectile with the use of an explosive.

Under federal law, the most common exceptions to firearms covered are muzzleloaders and antiques.

A person who had obtained relief from a firearm disability is not prohibited from possessing legal firearms. In other words, if a person who has no firearm disability because of a prohibitive conviction (or any other disqualifier) can legally possess the firearm in question, a felon who has obtained relief can possess it also.

Relief from disabilities in Washington State is obtained by a pardon, having the conviction set aside or petitioning a superior court for an order restoring gun rights. Under federal law, a person with a Washington felony is no longer prohibited if the conviction has been the subject of a pardon, set aside or the person has had civil rights restore AND has no continuing prohibition under Washington state law.