State and Federal laws impacting the legal transfer of firearms are increasingly complicated.
Whether you are an individual selling or buying a firearm, a trustee of an estate or a personal representative in probate you may be subject to firearm transfer laws and possible penalties.
The Whipple Law Group, PLLC is ready to assist you in successfully navigating your way through these laws and making each of your firearm transfers secure and legal.
The Whipple Law Group’s Qualified and Licensed Federal Firearms Attorney Can Help You
Arrange for the Legal Transfer of Firearms in Private Transactions
Hold and Transfer Firearms in the Probate of an Estate
Act as Trustee or Legal Advisor for a Firearms Trust
Answer Your Questions about Firearms and the Law in Washington State
Contact us today if you have questions about Firearms Ownership and Transfer
Gun Trusts
Protect Your Legacy with a Gun Trust
Gun trusts allow the seamless transfer of family heirloom firearms and collections from one generation to the next.
The Problem
Imagine a situation where a treasured pistol is left to a family member who is not allowed to possess firearms. Such an event may result in confusion over ownership and costly fees to resolve the issue.
The Solution
Placing the firearms safely in a trust, for the benefit of family members, avoids the negative outcome where an individual family member may not be eligible to own a firearm. The Trust “owns” the firearm for the use and enjoyment of the beneficiaries.
You Stay in Control
The Grantor maintains control and possession of the firearms throughout their lifetime.
In addition, when the grantor passes, there is nothing further to do. The firearms are already in the trust and there is no further legal transfer necessary.
Gun Trusts- A simple and affordable solution.
Probate and Firearms
For years, the dedicated staff and attorneys at The Whipple Law Group have been helping our clients and their families probate the estates of their loved ones. We bring a combination of caring and competency that allows this process to be more manageable that it might be otherwise.
It is not uncommon that an estate will include firearms. These may include family heirlooms, special collections, or even Grandad’s old hunting guns. The transfer of firearms may pose particular difficulty depending on a family’s circumstance.
The Problem
When probating and estate that includes firearms, many issues may arise that present legal challenges or problems to the executor.
The heir may be a minor and cannot receive firearms.
The heir may have lost their right to possess a firearm.
It is unlawful for anyone to take possession or receive any handguns without completing a required background check.
In any case, it is all too easy to unknowingly break federal and state laws without even being aware of it. That is where The Whipple Law Groupcan help.
The Solution
The Whipple Law Group can provide vital assistance in these difficult circumstances. Our experience with probate law, coupled with the fact that we are a registered, Licensed Federal Firearms Dealer, means that we stand ready to accomplish the legal transfer of your family firearms without requiring the time and expense of an outside, third party.
We, also, have the privilege of assisting other law firms engaged in the probate of estates that include firearms.
If you have lost a loved one recently, contact The Whipple Law Groupright away. We will work with you to legally, secure and store firearms right away. In addition, we will discuss with you how to accomplish the legal transfer of these firearms to your heirs.
Federal Firearms Dealer
The decision by our managing partner, to obtain a Federal Firearms Dealer license, was designed to provide an effective, affordable means for our clients to arrange for the legal transfer of firearms. This should never be an onerous, expensive task.
We document the sale or transfer of the firearm, conduct required background checks, and are available to answer questions.
Please contact The Whipple Law Group today, if you would like us to facilitate the legal transfer of a firearm. We make it easy.
Firearms and the Law
Federal Law:
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right of Americans to keep and bear arms, stating:
“A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
The Second Amendment does not prohibit individual states from adopting laws regulating firearms, as long as these laws are in keeping with the Second Amendment.
Washington Law:
The Constitution of the state of Washington guarantees its citizens the same right to bear arms, stating:
“The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.”
WA Constitution art. 1 sec. 24
Municipalities are not allowed to pass laws more restrictive than the state but may regulate where firearms may be sold and, at certain times, carried.
Many of Washington’s firearms laws are codified under Section 9.41 of the Revised Code of Washington.
Idaho Law:
“The people have the right to keep and bear arms, which right shall not be abridged; but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to govern the carrying of weapons concealed on the person nor prevent passage of legislation providing minimum sentences for crimes committed while in possession of a firearm, nor prevent the passage of legislation providing penalties for the possession of firearms by a convicted felon, nor prevent the passage of any legislation punishing the use of a firearm. No law shall impose licensure, registration or special taxation on the ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition. Nor shall any law permit the confiscation of firearms, except those actually used in the commission of a felony.”
Gun Rights – Can I carry a firearm in Washington or Idaho?
In order to carry a concealed pistol in Washington State, you must obtain a concealed pistol license (CPL). The one exception is when you are engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding. Washington only issues CPLs for handguns. Long guns are not effected.
The Whipple Law Group provides information regarding eligibility and the application process to obtain your CPL. You may, also, contact your local policing authority for more information.
Open Carry in Washington
Washington residents are allowed to engage in the open carry of firearms subject to state and local restrictions. RCW 9.41.270 describes some of these restrictions. Check with The Whipple Law Group or your local authorities for more information regarding open carry.
Idaho statute allows residents 21 years of age, not disqualified from having a permit, to carry a concealed firearm statewide without a permit.
Carrying a firearm in your vehicle, within the confines of a city, is allowed if it is in plain view, loaded or unloaded. If you do conceal a firearm within city limits, it must be disassembled or unloaded.
It is unlawful for any person to carry a concealed weapon on or about his person when intoxicated or under the influence of an intoxicating drink or drug.
You may still obtain a concealed weapon licenses from the County Sheriff. Residents must secure one to gain reciprocity in other states. The license is valid for five years.
Idaho Open Carry
Permitless carry is a legal statewide outside of city limits for individuals 18 or older.
The rules governing reciprocity between states is constantly changing. Please consult with a Whipple Law Group attorney to determine the applicability of these laws to your circumstances.
Restoration of Firearm Rights
A person may become ineligible to possess firearms for a variety of reasons. Restoration of these rights is important. The Whipple Law Group works with you to determine how best to accomplish the restoration of your rights. Please call us today to discuss your specific situation.
Always Remember: Firearm Safety is Paramount
Be aware, be responsible, be trained, be safe.
Keep all firearms and ammunition properly secured at all times.
All family members should engage in regular firearm education and safety training.
Tell Us About Your Case
We are excited to hear more about your case. Please be advised that submission of information to us, by way of this website inquiry, in no way obligates you to the Whipple Law Group, PLLC. Equally, please be aware, you are not represented by the Whipple Law Group, PLLC until we discuss your case and, together, agree to terms of representation. No attorney/client relationship is established until this occurs and is explicitly indicated in writing.
