Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

rights reinstatement for felons

I am a Washington state resident. I was convicted of a drug felony in Kentucky, in 2001. The amount was .01g. I was told there is a way to get my rights back, how do I go about starting that process. I would like to vote again, and my wife goes shooting regularly, and I would like to be able to join her


Asked on 10/04/08, 8:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: rights reinstatement for felons

Your should consult an attorney in Kentucky. You are dealing with the laws of three jurisdictions: Kentucky, Washington and federal. You must be clear under all three.

In general, you need a full pardon from the governor of Kentucky [KRS 527.040] to be clear to possess firearms under Kentucky law.

As far as federal law is concerned, you must be clear to possess firearms under Kentucky law and you must have had all of your civil rights restored (vote, hold elected office, serve as juror), which I believe is through a pardon as well.

Finally, the pardon will only permit you to possess firearms under Washington state law IF the pardon is based upon rehabilitation or based upon innocence. If the pardon is not expressly based upon either of these, you will need to petition a superior court to restore your right to possess firearms under Washington law.

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Answered on 10/04/08, 11:57 pm


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