Re: Restoring firearm rights in Washington

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On 10/30/08, Wetdog wrote:
> On 10/30/08, -- wrote:
>> On 10/29/08, Wetdog wrote:
>>> Thanks for your response, but I'd still like to know what "Full and Unconditional Pardon"
>>> means in Washington State. That language, at least to me, suggests that a 'finding of
>>> rehabilitation' has been made in that the pardon doesn't specify any conditions. Also, if
>>> the AG's opinion is just that, why does the WSP still hold that a pardon doesn't restore
>>> firearm rights unless it contains the 'finding of rehabilitation' language? Maybe it will
>>> take a court case to determine these things, but I can't afford to take it on just to
>>> satisfy my curiosity. Here in Oregon I can buy a gun any time I want and I have a CHL.
>>
>> "Full and absolute pardon" is not a precise legal term. It may mean something different in
>> every state and the fed system. Nixon got a "full and absolute pardon" which in that case
>> was given even before he was convicted of any crime. That is the most extensive "full and
>> absolute pardon" I've ever heard of.
>>
>> I haven't had time to research the Washington State pardon statutes yet. I did notice that
>> the power of the governor to pardon is included in the state constitution. This weekend
> I'll
>> see if I can find out what "full and absolute pardon" means in Washington State.
>
> It seems I've piqued your curiosity as well. In my petition to the Clemency and Pardons Board
> I requested that the "finding of rehabilitation" language be included in the pardon, should I
> be fortunate enough to receive one. The Governor granted the pardon as "full and
> unconditional", but didn't include the rehabilitation language. Almost immediately I
> contacted her general council to see if the pardon could be annotated or ammended to include
> the language, but that request hasn't gone anywhere. As I mentioned, I've been cleared by
> NCIC and NICS to purchase a firearm, but that's based on the pardon alone. The Feds don't
> require the rehabilitation language, but the State of Washington apparently does.
>
> As an aside, the State of Oregon never recognized my 1967 possession of marijuana conviction
> in Washington State (ORS 166.270 [3]{b}). So, firearm ownership has always been legal for me
> here, but I couldn't purchase a gun from an FFL dealer because my conviction in Washington
> State had triggered NCIC/NICS. In addition to hating the fact that I had a felony conviction
> on my record I wanted to be able to process a purchase through NICS, so that's why I finally
> pursued the pardon. Thankfully, I was granted my request.

New:
Interesting, I just found this online. This guy also received a Full and Unconditional Pardon
without the "rehabilitation" language in it, and it expressly mentions that he regains his
firearms right. Hmmmmmm. Does this establish precedence, or am I still in the dark because my
pardon was earlier than his?

TWENTY-SIXTH DAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2008 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused
the seal of the State of Washington to be affixed at Olympia on this 11th day of April, A.D.,
two thousand and seven.
CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE,Governor of Washington
SAM REED Secretary of State
FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL PARDON OF STANLEY CATRON
To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greetings:WHEREAS, in 1985, Stanley M. Catron was
convicted of Indecent Liberties after having sexual contact with his 13-yearold stepdaughter.
Immediately after the sexual contact occurred, Mr Catron took his victim to the police station
and turned himself in. WHEREAS, Mr. Catron demonstrated immediate remorse, openly admitted his
guilt, cared for his victim and assisted in her rehabilitation. On July 21, 1994, the Yakima
County Superior Court issued a Certificate of Rehabilitation to him. Since his conviction, he
has completed a year of psychotherapy and abided by all conditions of his probation.
Additionally, Mr Catron has had no further arrests or convictions. WHEREAS, Mr. Catron's victim
testified that she has forgiven Mr. Catron and supports his petition to the Governor's Office.
In light of the victim's forgiveness, the Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney also supports Mr.
Catron's petition. WHEREAS, Mr. Catron's gun rights were restored by the Bureau of Alcohol
Tobacco and Firearms in 1989. However, inlight of his conviction for Indecent Liberties, those
rights were revoked. Mr. Catron has petitioned the Governor for a pardon so that he may again
lawfully own and possess firearms. WHEREAS, I have reviewed all pertinent facts and
circumstances surrounding this matter, the circumstances of the crime, and the favorable
recommendation of the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board and, in light of the
foregoing, I have determined that the best interests of justice will be served by this action.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Christine O. Gregoire, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor of the
State of Washington, hereby grant to Stanley M. Catron the FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL pardon of his
conviction of Indecent Liberties so that he may lawfully own and possess firearms.IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my handand caused the seal of the State of Washington to beaffixed
at Olympia on this 4th day of April, A.D., two thousand and seven. CHRISTINE O.
GREGOIRE,Governor of Washington