Losing your right to own a firearm is one of the most personal consequences of a criminal conviction. For people in Eastern Washington — where hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense are part of daily life — it is especially hard.

But Washington law does allow many people to restore their firearms rights. Here is how it works.

Why Your Gun Rights Were Taken Away

Under both federal and Washington state law, certain criminal convictions automatically strip your right to possess firearms. The most common triggers are:

  • Any felony conviction
  • Certain misdemeanor domestic violence convictions
  • Court orders such as protection orders or no-contact orders
  • Involuntary commitment for mental health treatment

The restriction applies immediately and remains in effect until you take legal action to restore your rights.

The Restoration Process in Washington

Washington provides a legal process to petition the court to restore your firearms rights. The requirements depend on the type of conviction:

Class C Felonies and Most Non-Violent Offenses

  • All conditions of your sentence must be completed (including probation, fines, and restitution)
  • At least 5 years must have passed since completion
  • No new felony convictions or pending charges
  • You must not be subject to any court order that prohibits firearm possession

Class B Felonies

  • All sentence conditions completed
  • At least 10 years since completion
  • No new convictions

Class A Felonies

Class A felony convictions generally cannot be restored under Washington law. Federal law imposes additional restrictions as well.

State vs. Federal Rights

This is where it gets complicated. Even if Washington State restores your firearms rights, federal law may still prohibit you from possessing a firearm. Federal restrictions apply to:

  • Anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison
  • Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

However, if the state that took away your rights fully restores them — including the right to possess, transport, and sell firearms — federal law generally defers to the state restoration. The key is making sure the restoration is complete and properly documented.

The NICS Database

Even after a court grants your petition, you may find that you are still flagged when you try to purchase a firearm. This usually means the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has not been updated to reflect your restored rights.

Resolving a NICS denial requires a separate process — typically an appeal through the FBI or the relevant state agency. It is frustrating but fixable.

What You Need to Know Before Filing

  • Not every conviction is eligible for restoration. Know your offense classification before you file.
  • Timing matters. Filing too early wastes court fees and delays the process.
  • Documentation is critical. You will need certified copies of your judgment and sentence, proof of completion, and a clean record since your conviction.
  • The process varies by county. Each court has its own procedures and forms.

DeleteRecord Handles Gun Rights Cases

Attorney Peter Hibbard helps people across Eastern Washington restore their firearms rights. We handle the petition, the court filing, and any follow-up needed to make sure your rights are fully restored — including NICS issues.

If you are not sure whether you qualify, we can tell you in a single conversation.

Call 509-707-0251 or visit DeleteRecord.com to learn about your options.