Stevens County Firearms. Restoration Attorney

Here is the typical procedure for filing a motion to restore your firearm rights in Stevens County.

Step #1: File Your Motion in Superior Court

You have to file your motion in Stevens County Superior Court if you live in Stevens County as well as Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties.

Only superior court judges have the power to restore firearm rights. You cannot file your motion in district court. If you file in district court, the clerk's office will automatically reject your motion and you'll have to re-start in superior court.

You have to file your motion by mail. Stevens County does not allow you to file by fax or email.

Mail your documents to: Stevens County Superior Court, 15 South Oak Street, Room 209, Colville, WA 99114.

The filing fee for a firearms case is $240.

Step #2: Prepare Your Documents

You have to prepare and file the following documents to start your case:

Petition for Restoration of Firearms Rights: This is your formal 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.
Confidential Information Form: Before the clerk's office can create your case, you have to provide certain personal identifying information. You must include your full name, DOB, home address, driver's license number, and last four digits of your social security number. This form remains confidential and is not part of the public record.
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.

Step #3: Get Your Case Number

Upon receiving your documents, the clerk's office will process your paperwork. If your documents are legally sufficient, the court will assign you 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.

Step #4: Serve the Prosecutor's Office

You are required to serve a copy of your motion on the Stevens County Prosecutor's Office, which will review your file and determine whether you're eligible for restoration.

You will need to provide the same documents that you initially filed with the Court—minus the confidential information form.

You also need to provide prosecutors with a copy of your WATCH Report. This is a copy of your Washington criminal record, which you can access 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.

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 #5: Request a Hearing

Filing your case doesn't automatically get your motion heard in front of judge. To do that, you have to file a written motion with the Court asking to schedule a hearing.

In Stevens County, firearms restoration motions are generally heard on the civil motions calendar, which take place on Monday.

FAQ: Stevens County Firearms Restoration

Can I file my firearms restoration motion in Stevens County Superior Court?

You can file your motion in Stevens County if one of the following applies:

You are a resident of Stevens County

You live outside Stevens County but Stevens County Superior Court terminated your right to possess firearms as a result of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor convictions.

Example: You live in Colville but you were convicted of a felony assault offense in Stevens County when you were younger. You can file your motion in Stevens County Superior Court because the superior court terminated your firearm rights.

Where is Stevens County Superior Court located?

The courthouse address is:

Stevens County Superior Court

215 South Oak Street, Room 209

Colville, WA 99114

Phone: 509-684-7527

Fax: 509-685-0679

How can I contact the Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney?

Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

215 South Oak Street, Suite 114