According to Crime in Washington 2020, 5,811 violations of weapons laws occurred in the state of Washington in 2020. There were 1,760 arrests for weapons crimes, with weapons violations taking place on a highway/road/alley, residences, parking lots or garages, airplanes/buses/trains or terminals, and specialty stores. 

The primary offense related to weapons in Seattle is concealing a weapon (79.9 percent of all arrests related to weapons). 

Other offenses include: 

• Using a weapon

• Promoting weapons

• Buying or receiving a weapon

• Transporting or importing a weapon

• Distribution and sales of weapons

• Manufacturing weapons

The vast majority of weapons violation offenses were for firearms, followed by knives, blunt objects, and explosives. 

What are Potential Weapons Charges in Seattle?

You could be charged with Unlawful Firearms (RCW 9.41.190), Dangerous Weapons (RCW 9.41.250), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (9.41.040), or Carrying a Concealed Firearm (RCW 941.050). There are some types of firearms that are illegal in Washington state, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or any of their components. 

This law does not apply to a peace officer who is on duty or traveling to or from official duty or to those federally licensed to produce, manufacture, repair, or test such weapons. A violation of the Unlawful Firearms law is a Class C felony, and a conviction for this offense could result in fines as large as $10,000 and/or a maximum of five years in prison. 

The Dangerous Weapons law involves items deemed too dangerous to be legally carried. These weapons may include a slingshot, sand club, brass knuckles, spring-blade knives, or any devices that are meant to suppress the noise of a firearm. It is further illegal to “furtively carry with intent to conceal,” any dangerous weapon, including daggers, pistols, and dirks. Possession of a Dangerous Weapon is a gross misdemeanor in the state of Washington. 

If convicted, you could face up to a year in jail and/or a fine as large as $5,000. Unlawful Possession of a Firearm involves possession of any firearm after certain criminal offenses in the past. Unlawful Possession of a Firearm is a Class B felony in the state of Washington. A conviction could result in a fine as large as $20,000, and/or up to ten years in prison. 

In the state of Washington, you are only allowed to carry a concealed weapon if you have a concealed weapon license. If you are found with a firearm on your body or concealed in your vehicle, and you do not have a proper license, you could face misdemeanor charges. If convicted, you could be punished by up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. Other misdemeanor weapons offenses include aiming or discharging a firearm and unlawful display of a firearm. 

If you aim your firearm (no matter whether it is loaded) or willfully discharge a firearm or air gun in a public place, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. If you do either of these things while in a moving vehicle, you could be charged with an attempted drive-by shooting. Unlawful display of a weapon is known as “brandishing” a weapon and includes carrying, exhibiting, displaying, or drawing with an implication of an intent to intimidate another person. If you have a conviction for unlawful display, you could be permanently deprived of the right to own a firearm. 

What to Do if You Have Been Charged with a Weapons Offense in Seattle

If you are facing weapons charges in the city of Seattle, it is imperative that you speak to a knowledgeable, highly experienced criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible. You want to ensure your rights and your future are properly safeguarded and that you have an aggressive advocate in your corner. A weapons offense conviction could have long-term consequences, even preventing you from securing employment, renting an apartment, or owning a firearm. 

 
Contact Our Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you have been charged with any criminal offense in the city of Seattle, it could be extremely beneficial for you to contact a Seattle criminal defense lawyer. The experienced lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC,  have successfully defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form.