What clients have to say . . .
I'm quite impressed with how quickly my case was processed. July 10th I asked for your assistance and August 5th you informed me the judge had signed the order and it was filed. All the while I traveled and worked out of state in hard to reach areas. Obviously, you have established outstanding rapport with those involved which enables a quick process. You explained my situation carefully and your concern for my best interest was evident. You never gave me false hope. I can very highly recommend you as someone who has a high level of integrity and honesty.
K. O., Snohomish County
Everything is going well. I got my concealed pistol license just recently. You did a very good job for me and I've recommended you to a couple of people. Hope they contact you. Again thank you very much, and your price was well worth it too.
W. W., Algona, WA
The price of getting firearm rights restored is cheap in comparison to what it would cost to hire an attorney and fight in court, a battle and possible felony conviction for being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. In my case, it took five days to get to court and have a certificate of rehabilitation issued and have my firearm rights restored, and this was after you tried to talk me out of it. The process was simple and accomplished without my having to leave my front room. I would recommend that any person with a previous felony conviction, that has proven that they are rehabilitated have this process done. It is worth the peace of mind that you have in knowing that you can not be charged with a possession charge, even if it would occur through someone else's mistake.
Yours truly,
K. H., Vancouver, WA
NOTE: This client's offense was about 45 years old ( youthful mischief) and did not surface in a criminal background check. Thus, he was not likely to denied by NICS and far less likely to ever be prosecuted. However, he had a copy of his discharge in hand and he wanted certainty.
I was pleased to hear that you had experience in this area of Washington law and were confident that you could assist. It was an added bonus for me when you informed me that you could perform your services and I was not required to meet with you or appear in person to the court. . . considering I now live in California. I appreciate everything you have done for me.
P.D., Vacaville, CA
What clients have experienced . . .
The following actual cases illustrate some of the unfortunate scenarios where gun owners learn that they are "prohibited persons". Few people realize that the Lautenberg Amendment, which prohibits persons convicted of domestic violence offense from possessing firearms,is retroactive. Additionally, most people with prior felonies who did not lose the right to possess firearms when convicted, only learn of the disability when denied by NICS. A 1999 TV news investigation revealed that nearly 2800 hunting licensees for the 1997-98 season were prohibited from possessing firearms.
CWP Renewal Denied - A client attempted to renew his concealed weapon permit after 1996, only to be denied because of an act committed in the 1960's. The client did not lose the right to possess firearms when he was convicted and had been hunting legally for nearly 30 years . . . and illegally for 3 or 4. His firearm rights were restored and he was again eligible for a CWP.
Hunter Becomes The Hunted - A client's companion attracted the attention of Fish & Wildlife agents. Acting under lawful authority (DFW agents have more search and seizure authority than any law enforcement agency), the agents checked the client's license and ran a warrants check. A 25 year old conviction sounded out over the radio. The client's gun was confiscated and he spent a night in jail. Fortunately, the county prosecutor withheld charges and agreed to return the firearm upon proof of reinstating his right to possess. Within a few days, an order was obtained and he was hunting again before the season closed.
Every year I hear from at least a dozen people who face the threat of prosecution for unlawful possession of firearms. If you have any reason to believe that some offense commited in the past (juvenile or adult) may affect your firearm rights, you need to seek legal advice. Do not wait until you face new felony criminal charges. If convicted of any new criminal charge, you will likely have to wait at least another 5 years to have firearm rights restored.
Collateral Damage - A client delivered some of his firearms to a pawnshop as collateral. When he returned to retrieve them, he didn't pass the NICS test and the pawnbroker would not return the weapons. The client did not lose his right to possess when convicted. His firearm rights were restored and his weapons recovered.
Warning Shot - A client purchased a modern firearm tag. About a week later, he received a telephone call from the King County Sheriff's Office, advising him that as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Numerous clients have been contacted by ATF agents following a NICS denial. Ususally, prohibited persons are requested to transfer ownership of their firearms; still, each could be prosecuted for unlawful possession of firearms.
Expect more of this cross-referencing of databases. Privacy issues aside, cross-referencing the names of hunting licensees with felony and DV offenders would be the most efficient way to inform prohibited persons of their firearm disability and prevent unfair prosecution. And it would mean that the state of WA would not issue a license to use a firearm to a person the state says cannot possess a firearm. Click here to read what is taking place in Wisconsin to prevent prohibited persons from buying hunting licenses.
"From My Cold Dead Hands" - King County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a disturbance and in the process seized a clients weapons and ammunition. Although he had no convictions prohibiting firearm possession and no criminal charges were filed, the client received a notice of forfeiture - they intended to keep his property. We requested a court hearing and successfully challenged the forfeiture. The client's firearms were returned.
Know Your Rights - A client sought to restore his firearm rights in Pierce County, initially on his own with forms provided by the clerk's office. (The forms are out of date and require more than is necessary.) The prosecutor's office objected, claiming the client was ineligible because of the type of offense and that only a pardon could restore his firearm rights. Although the client appeared at the hearing with counsel, the attorney was unfamiliar with the firearm statutes and case law. The judge denied the petition. When the client advised me of his situation, a motion for reconsideration and supporting brief were filed explaining why the denial was wrong. The prosecutor's office ultimately agreed to sign an order restoring client's firearm rights. Unfortunately, there have likely been many petitioners in Pierce County who were wrongfully denied the restoration of firearm rights.
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E-mail: ptferris @ washrecord . com
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