Washington Concealed Weapon Charges

Washington is a “shall-issue” state, which means that a concealed weapons permit can be issued to residents and non-residents who meet certain criteria. Individuals who live in an unincorporated area must apply in person at the local sheriff’s office. Anyone living in a city can apply in person at the sheriff’s office or city police department. Applicants must be able to pass a federal NICS background check. Concealed carry permits are valid for a period of five years.

Washington Weapons Laws

The State of Washington has very liberal gun control laws, but carrying an open or concealed handgun with a permit is prohibited in the following places:

• Any private or public elementary and secondary school property
• On any transportation provided by the school
• Into any facility used exclusively by a public or private school
• The restricted access areas of a jail, law enforcement facility or any place that is used for confinement of a person
• Any buildings used in connection with any court proceedings
• The restricted access areas of any public mental health facility
• The portion of any establishment that the state liquor control board deems off-limits to anyone under the age of 21 years
• Any outdoor music festival

Anyone who wishes to carry their weapon on an Indian Reservation should obtain written permission from the Tribal Chief of Police or Tribal Judge.

Penalties

Concealed weapons permit holders are required to carry their license with them at all times. The weapons violations in Washington State are listed in the table below:

Washington Plea Options

Criminal defendants in the State of Washington will be arraigned within 72 hours of their arrest. During this hearing, the must enter one of the following:

• Plead Not Guilty—At this time a date will be set for pretrial conference where the defendant appears with legal counsel.
• Plead Guilty to the Crime—Defendants should always consult with an attorney before pleading guilty.
• Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity—Anyone who has a severe mental disease or defect or was not in control of their actions at the time can enter this type of plea.
• No Contest—The defendant doesn’t technically admit guilt but wants to avoid civil liability for the crime.

Deferred prosecution programs are available for anyone who suffers from mental health or chemical addiction. They can get their record expunged after a period of five years has passed.

Consult a Washington Criminal Defense Attorney

Anyone who has been convicted of domestic violence is prohibited from owning a firearm in Washington. They can face up to 10 years in state prison if they are caught with a gun. When you hire a criminal defense attorney, their first priority will be to get the charges dismissed if possible. If the prosecution has overwhelming evidence, it may be necessary to work out a deal where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense.