Washington criminal law makes it a crime for you to carry or perform certain acts with a so-called “dangerous weapon” (for example, a slungshot or a dagger). A violation of Washington’s dangerous weapons law can lead to misdemeanor charges punishable by up to one year in jail. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you are facing Washington criminal charges involving any type of weapon or gun.

What is the Washington Law on “Dangerous Weapons”?

RCW 9.41.250 is the Washington statute that sets forth the law on dangerous weapons. According to this statute, you are guilty of a crime if you do any of the following:

  • Manufacture, sell, or dispose of or possess any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slungshot, sand club, metal knuckles, or spring blade knife,
  • Carry with the intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon, or
  • Use any device to suppress the noise of any firearm unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law.

Please note that a “spring blade knife” means any knife, including a prototype, model, or other sample, with a blade that 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.

What are the Penalties?

A violation of RCW 9.41.250 is a gross misdemeanor (as opposed to a felony) under Washington law. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by:

  • Custody in jail for up to one year, and/or
  • A maximum fine of $5,000.

Can a Defendant Raise a Legal Defense?

Yes. You have the right to challenge a dangerous weapons charge with a legal defense. A common defense is for you to show that the “weapon” you had was not a “dangerous weapon” as listed in RCW 9.41.250.

Your criminal defense attorney can also try and prove that the police somehow violated your rights. For example, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to show that the police:

  • Arrested you without probable cause,
  • Coerced your confession, or
  • Conducted an unlawful search and seizure.

If any of the above, your attorney can try to have the judge reduce or even dismiss your charges.

Contact Black & Askerov for Help

While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge a dangerous weapons charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on various weapon and gun charges. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!

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