Here is the typical procedure for filing a motion to restore your firearm rights in Kitsap County.
Step #1: File Your Motion
To restore your gun rights, you have to file your motion in Kitsap County Superior Court. Only superior court judges have the authority to hear firearm restoration motions.
You cannot file your motion in Kitsap County District Court or a local municipal court, like Bremerton Municipal Court or Port Orchard Municipal Court. If you do so, these courts will automatically reject your motion and you'll have to start over in superior court.
You have to file your motion by mail. You do not have the option of filing by fax or filing electronically in Kitsap County.
Mail a copy of your motion along with a check for the required $240 filing fee to the Kitsap County Clerk, 614 Division Street #202, Port Orchard, WA 98366.
Step #2: Get Your Case Number
Once the court receives your motion, the clerk's office will process your paperwork and assign you case a case number. The clerk's office will then mail you a conformed copy of your motion. (A conformed copy means a copy of the motion you filed, now with the assigned case number).
This process takes about 1-2 weeks.
If you make any mistakes in the filing process, the clerk's office will return your documents to you, with instructions.
You must have an assigned case number to schedule your case for a hearing.
Step #3: Serve the Prosecutor's Office
You are required to serve a copy of your motion on the Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office, which will review your file and determine whether you're eligible.
You will need to provide the following documents for the prosecutor's review:
- Copy of your Motion
- Signed declaration: This document certifies that you meet the requirements for restoring under firearm rights under RCW 9.41.040(4). You must sign this document under penalty of perjury.
- Proposed Order: This is the most important document—the document that you're hoping the Court will sign, restoring your firearm rights. If you prepare it correctly—and it meets the prosecutors' approval—the Court will likely sign the document as is.
- WATCH Report: You have to provide prosecutors with a copy of your Washington criminal record, which can be accessed online through the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Keep in mind, however, that WSP only maintains your Washington criminal record. If you have a criminal record outside Washington, you will need to contact each state and request a copy of your criminal history.
Without these forms, the prosecutor will not agree to your motion, and the Court is not going to sign any orders.
If prosecutors agree that you are eligible, then you are in very good shape. Although a judge is not required to order firearms restoration if both sides agree, it's rare.
If prosecutors object, they will typically file a written objection with the Court. Just because the prosecutors object does notmean that you won't win your motion, but you'll need to address their argument in court.
Step #4: Request a Hearing
Filing your case doesn't automatically get your motion heard in front of judge. To do that. You have to schedule a hearing.
In Kitsap County, firearms restoration motions are generally heard on the criminal after-sentencing calendar, which takes place Friday at 11:00 a.m.
FAQ: Kitsap County Firearms Restoration
Can I file my firearms restoration motion in Kitsap County?
You can file your motion in Kitsap County if one of the following applies:
You are a resident of Kitsap County
You live outside Kitsap County but Kitsap County Superior Court terminated your right to possess firearms as a result of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor convictions.
Example: You live in Seattle but you were convicted of a felony drug offense in Kitsap County when you were younger. You can file your motion in Kitsap County Superior Court because the superior court terminated your firearm rights.
Where is Kitsap County Superior Court located?
The courthouse address is:
Kitsap County Superior Court
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-7164
How can I contact the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney?
Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
614 Division Street, Second Floor
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-7174
