Gun Crimes Lawyer in Seattle

Gun violence in America – and finding solutions for gun violence – is a perennial crime problem, and in an effort to end gun violence, every state has a concealed carry law and several gun violence laws. If you receive a charge of violating weapon possession laws around the Seattle area, the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold can examine the particulars of your case, gather evidence and question witnesses, and advocate aggressively for the justice you need and deserve.

Experienced Seattle gun crimes attorney Kevin Trombold will fight for your rights and utilize every legal tool that is available on your behalf. If the law in Washington prevents you from owning a gun and you are convicted of having a gun in your possession, the penalties are harsh.

If you use a firearm or if weapon violence takes place while you are committing a crime in Washington, and if you are found guilty of that crime, you’ll be punished more harshly because a weapon was used.

Understanding Gun Laws in Washington

Washington has a number of different laws that regulate how firearms can be purchased, sold, and carried by residents.

Washington residents can apply for a concealed carry permit as long as they are not under the age of 21, free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a felony, wanted on an outstanding warrant for a felony or misdemeanor crime, a convicted felon, or facing orders from a Washington court to forfeit their firearms. Those who have had a prior concealed carry permit revoked are also not eligible for another permit.

If you do not have a concealed carry license, but you are found carrying a concealed firearm either on your body or in your vehicle, you could be charged with a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,0000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Washington prohibits the possession of any firearm while on the property of public or private elementary or secondary schools, school-provided transportation, or other facilities that are being exclusively used by a school.

The state also prohibits residents from possessing a firearm in a vehicle without a concealed carry license. In addition to having this license, the person cannot carry a handgun in a vehicle unless:

The firearm is on the licensee’s person
The licensee remains in the vehicle at all times that the gun is present
If the licensee has to leave the vehicle, the gun is safely locked within the vehicle and concealed from view

Washington prohibits anyone who has been found guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity for certain crimes from possessing a weapon if the crime was considered a domestic violence incident. Crimes are considered domestic violence based on the relationship between the defendant and the victim. The crimes that disqualify you from owning a firearm when committed as domestic violence include:

Assault in the fourth degree
Coercion
Stalking
Reckless endangerment
Criminal trespass in the first degree
Violation of an order of protection or a no-contact restraining order

Washington also allows courts to order the forfeiture of guns in any of the following conditions:

A gun was found concealed on someone who was unauthorized to carry a concealed weapon
The gun was commercially sold to someone without an application required by law
The gun was found on someone who is not allowed to possess a weapon under state law
The gun was in someone’s possession and being displayed at the time that this person was arrested for committing a felony or misdemeanor crime
The gun was in the possession of someone who was found to be mentally incompetent under state law
The gun was in the possession of someone who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol in a place where a concealed carry permit is required
The gun was in the possession of someone who is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a felony or misdemeanor crime in which a weapon was displayed or used

Authorized law enforcement officers of the state or of any county or city may confiscate a firearm from an individual under any of these circumstances mentioned above.

If you or a family member or friend has been charged with a gun crime in Washington state, contact an experienced Seattle gun crimes attorney at the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold promptly.

Legal Experience Matters – Our Seattle Gun Crimes Attorney Can Help

For over 20 years, experienced Seattle gun crimes attorney Kevin Trombold has defended scores of clients in the Seattle area who have been charged with a variety of serious gun crimes. Washington’s gun laws are intended to prevent gun violence and protect the victims of violence. However, if the state prohibits you from owning a firearm and you are convicted of a violation, the penalties are considerable. Nevertheless, being charged with a weapon violation is not the equivalent of a conviction, and if have been charged with possessing a firearm illegally, Seattle criminal defense attorney, Kevin Trombold, will be able to examine the details of the case and ensure that the police acted legally and constitutionally. If they didn’t, or if you were mistakenly charged, attorney Kevin Trombold will aggressively fight for justice, all on your behalf.

How Federal and State Gun Laws Overlap in Washington State

Gun crimes in Washington can be prosecuted under state law, federal law, or both — and understanding which jurisdiction applies to your case dramatically affects the potential penalties you face.

Many Washington residents don’t realize that possessing a firearm can violate federal law even when it appears compliant with state rules, or vice versa.

Key Areas Where Federal and State Laws Intersect

Felon in possession. Both Washington state and federal law prohibit anyone with a felony conviction from possessing firearms. However, federal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carry up to 10 years in prison, while state penalties vary by circumstance. A single arrest can result in charges in both jurisdictions.
Domestic violence convictions. Federal law prohibits firearm possession for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense — even if Washington state law would otherwise allow it. This federal prohibition applies nationwide and cannot be overridden by state concealed carry permit rules.
Drug-related firearm offenses. If a firearm is found during a drug arrest, federal prosecutors may pursue weapons charges that carry mandatory minimum prison time on top of the drug offense. These enhancements can add five to 25 years, depending on whether the weapon was merely present, brandished, or discharged.
The right to bear arms and its limits. The United States Constitution’s Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, but both federal and state courts have upheld numerous restrictions on who can possess firearms, where they can carry them, and what types of weapons are permitted.

A Seattle gun crimes lawyer at the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold evaluates whether your case involves state charges, federal charges, or both, and builds a defense strategy tailored to each jurisdiction.

What’s at Stake When You’re Facing a Weapons Charge in Seattle

A gun crime conviction in Washington carries consequences that extend far beyond prison time and fines, creating permanent barriers across nearly every area of your life.

Understanding the full scope of what you’re risking helps explain why aggressive representation from an experienced gun crimes lawyer in Seattle is essential from the moment of your arrest.

Criminal Penalties for Gun Offenses

Illegal possession of a firearm (Class B or C felony). Depending on the circumstances and your criminal record, illegal possession can carry up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. A criminal conviction at the felony level permanently strips your firearm rights.
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (gross misdemeanor). Up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000. While less severe than felony charges, a conviction still creates a criminal record that appears on every background check.
Firearm enhancements during other crimes. Washington law adds mandatory additional prison time when a firearm is used during the commission of a felony. These enhancements are served consecutively — meaning on top of the base sentence, not concurrently.

Consequences Beyond the Sentence

Permanent loss of firearm rights. A felony conviction eliminates your legal right to possess, purchase, or carry any firearm under both state and federal law
Employment and professional barriers. Many employers across Seattle and Snohomish counties conduct background checks that reveal weapons convictions, creating obstacles in law enforcement, security, government, education, and other regulated fields
Housing restrictions. Landlords routinely screen for felony convictions, and many lease agreements specifically prohibit tenants with weapons-related criminal records
Immigration consequences. For non-citizens, a weapons conviction can trigger deportation proceedings and permanent inadmissibility to the United States

The Seattle gun crime attorneys at the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold fight to protect clients from these lasting consequences. Whether you’re accused of illegal possession, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or facing firearm enhancements on other charges, we investigate every detail and challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with Our Gun Crimes Lawyer in Seattle Today

If you’ve been accused of possessing a gun illegally or of committing a crime where a weapon was used, put an experienced criminal defense lawyer to work on your behalf. An experienced and knowledgeable Seattle criminal defense attorney like Kevin Trombold aggressively helps to investigate gun crimes and to assist and protect each of their clients.

For more than 20 years of experience and a good reputation for legal excellence respected by Seattle-area prosecutors, judges, and peers, defense attorney Kevin Trombold continuously wins reduced charges, not guilty verdicts, and dismissals. If you receive a charge for a gun crime in or around the Seattle area, call the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold at 206-590-7667.