Unlawful Possession of Firearm

Both the Washington State and United States Constitutions provide for the right to bear arms. However, the State has enacted several laws restricting the ability of persons to possess and carry firearms. The main statute, RCW 9.41.250, provides for three situations in which it is illegal to possess a firearm. These include a person who:

• a)  Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;
• b)  Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or
• c)  Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm

Violation of this statute is a gross misdemeanor, meaning it is punishable by up to a year in jail (365 days) and a five thousand dollar ($5000) fine. Some cities in Washington have enacted their own laws regarding possession of firearms, not all of which are clear to be constitutional. These cities include Arlington (9.48.030 ), Everett (10.78.080, 10.78.110), Lynnwood (10.52.030), Marysville (9.41.250, 9.41.280 - schools), Monroe (9.18.090), and Seattle (12A.14.080),. Other cities have adopted the RCW as part of their municipal code. These include Lake Stevens and Shoreline among others.