Gun Crime Defense
Gun Crime Defense Attorneys Serving Island County & Washington
A firearm allegation can lead to felony charges, loss of firearm rights, mandatory surrender, federal exposure and consequences for employment, military service and personal liberty.
Platt, Thompson & Buescher handles unlawful-possession allegations, concealed-carry and vehicle issues, prohibited-place cases, firearm enhancements, order-to-surrender matters and related state or federal charges.
What Is at Stake
Firearm cases often turn on status, possession, location and the exact terms of an order.
Washington law regulates who may possess a firearm, where firearms may be carried and how pistols may be carried in vehicles or concealed. A case may also involve a protection order, no-contact order, prior conviction or alleged use of a firearm in another offense.
State and federal firearm laws are separate. Resolving a state charge or restoring rights under state law does not automatically answer every federal question.
Potential consequences may include
- Felony or misdemeanor criminal charges
- Loss or restriction of firearm rights
- Firearm surrender and concealed-license consequences
- Sentence enhancements in another criminal case
- Employment, military or security-clearance concerns
- Separate state and federal exposure
Understanding Gun Crime Cases
The legal issue is often more complicated than whether a firearm was present.
A defense may depend on the person’s legal status, the definition of possession, the location, the firearm, the terms of an order and how evidence was obtained.
01
Unlawful possession
Washington recognizes first- and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. The applicable degree can depend on the prior offense, court order or other disqualifying circumstance.
Possession can involve claimed custody, control, access or constructive possession—not only a firearm found in a person’s hand.
02
Carry and location restrictions
Cases may involve concealed pistols, loaded pistols in vehicles, school facilities, courthouses, restricted government areas or other locations regulated by statute.
Licenses, statutory exceptions, notice and the precise place where the firearm was located may matter.
03
State and federal law
Federal firearm prohibitions, federal property and interstate conduct can create issues separate from Washington law.
The defense should identify every potentially applicable source of law before assuming that a state-court result resolves the entire problem.
Firearm laws and court orders can change. The precise statute, order and facts should be reviewed before any decision involving possession or transfer.
Gun Crime Matters We Handle
Defense where firearm law and criminal procedure intersect.
The firm handles stand-alone firearm charges and allegations connected to another criminal case.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Defense involving prior convictions, court orders, claimed access, constructive possession and first- or second-degree allegations.
Concealed Carry and Vehicle Cases
Representation involving concealed pistols, licenses, loaded firearms in vehicles and statutory exceptions.
Weapons in Prohibited Places
Defense of allegations involving schools, courthouses, government facilities and other regulated locations.
Firearm Enhancements and Alleged Use
Defense where the prosecution claims a firearm was used, displayed, possessed or connected to another charged offense.
Orders to Surrender Weapons
Advice and representation involving protection orders, no-contact orders, surrender obligations and alleged noncompliance.
Federal Firearm Allegations
Representation in matters involving federal prohibitions, federal property, background-check issues and overlapping jurisdiction.
Possession and Proof
A firearm’s location does not automatically establish criminal possession.
The prosecution may need to prove knowledge, custody, control, access, legal disqualification and other elements depending on the charge. Shared homes, vehicles and property can raise difficult questions about constructive possession.
The defense may also challenge the search, seizure, statements, warrant, chain of custody or interpretation of the order or statute involved.
In a firearm case, the details of possession and legal status can decide the case.
Our Process
How we approach a gun-crime defense.
The first step is identifying every state, federal and court-order issue that may apply.
01
Identify the alleged prohibition
We review prior cases, court orders, licensing status, the charged statute and any asserted federal restriction.
02
Examine possession and location
We analyze where the firearm was found, who had access, whether possession was actual or constructive and whether an exception applies.
03
Challenge the evidence
We review searches, warrants, statements, firearm identification, records and the prosecution’s proof of legal status.
04
Coordinate the broader strategy
We address the criminal charge together with surrender, restoration, licensing and federal-law concerns.
Your Team
Attorneys who handle gun-crime matters.
Get Started
Speak with an attorney about a firearm allegation.
A consultation can help identify the applicable state and federal rules, immediate restrictions and possible defense issues.
180 NW Coveland St, Coupeville, WA 98239 · reception@plattbuescher.com