Convicted in California, Live in Washington, And Want To Possess A Firearm

[SMB1913]

Convicted in California, live in Washington – Want to possess a firearm


I know there have been a few posts with the same general question but have yet to find an answer due to the fact that everyone’s situation is different. At age 17, in spring of 1998, I pled guilty to a 211 Robbery in the Superior Court of Los Angeles and served a total sentence of 365 days in a juvenile facility even though I was convicted as an adult. After serving my sentence and having my probation terminated almost three years early I submitted a request for an expungement which was not contested and my case was therefore dismissed pursuant to 1203.4. I have no other criminal record; I have been a productive citizen and am now in the U.S. Army living in Washington State. I applied and was granted by the State of Washington a license to carry a concealed weapon a few months ago where they finger printed me and conducted several state and federal background checks. Today, I attempted to purchase a handgun at a local gun shop, and in the process of running a background check through the FBI’s NICS, I found out that I was denied. I immediately came home and filed an appeal via email with all my court records. While I wait for an unknown amount of time for a response I started researching my rights and what the laws actually are. It is very confusing what I found because it seems that it really depends on what state you’re in at the time of possession.

Now that I have rambled on, my question maybe simple but I have a feeling the answer will be complex. So, can I, or can I not possess firearms? And if not, what can I do, if anything to restore this right? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

P.S. I will be posting this thread in the main Expungements & Pardons forum also.

[Mr. Knowitall]

This (rather dated) attorney general's opinion suggests that you need to obtain a certificate of rehabilitation from California (California Penal Code § 4852.17).

[SMB1913]

Okay, so maybe I’m just not good at this legal jargon, but that link just confused me. I’m currently at work right now but will post my confusion on here later tonight. Thanks for the link though and will try to read it again and understand.

[SMB1913]

Okay, so I just read that link for the third time and now my head hurts. I don’t understand any of it now. I think I need to talk to a lawyer in or around my area, and preferably one that will work for free. Good luck with that right?

[Mr. Knowitall]

I thought what I wrote was quite clear. From what you have said you would want a lawyer in California. I do not expect that you will find a free lawyer.