What Happens if You Knowingly Violate Washington's Magazine Ban?

Published on October 30, 2022
Duration: 12:27

This video from Washington Gun Law, presented by legal expert William Kirk, details the consequences of knowingly violating Washington's standard capacity magazine ban (RCW 9.41.370). It clarifies that violating the law, particularly through unlawful importation or sale of magazines holding more than ten rounds, can result in a gross misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. The content emphasizes understanding legal lines and the potential for a criminal record, even if prosecution is unlikely.

Quick Summary

Violating Washington's magazine ban (RCW 9.41.370) is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. It is unlawful to manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale magazines holding more than ten rounds. Importing magazines from out-of-state can also lead to charges.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Defining Magazine Ban Violations
  2. 01:07Securité Gun Club Sponsorship
  3. 02:29Hypothetical Violation Discussion
  4. 03:16Legal Disclaimers
  5. 04:02Rule of Professional Conduct 2.1
  6. 04:33Defining Willful Violation
  7. 05:18Knowing vs. Strict Liability Violations
  8. 06:08Unlawful Sales and Manufacturing
  9. 07:03Unlawful Importing Explained
  10. 08:51Gross Misdemeanor Penalties
  11. 09:23Legal Advice and Contact Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for violating Washington's magazine ban?

Violating Washington's magazine ban (RCW 9.41.370) is a gross misdemeanor. This offense is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, according to Washington law chapter 9A.20 RCW.

What constitutes a large capacity magazine in Washington State?

Under Washington law (RCW 9.41.010), a large capacity magazine is defined as a firearm magazine that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. It is unlawful to manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale such magazines.

Can I legally import magazines into Washington from another state?

Importing magazines into Washington from another state can be unlawful if not done correctly. Simply buying magazines in a state like Idaho and bringing them back to Washington for personal use could be considered unlawful importation, potentially leading to charges.

What does 'willfully violate' mean in the context of Washington's magazine ban?

'Willfully violate' implies an intentional act against the law. While some may see it as a defiant act, legal interpretations suggest it could be treated as a strict liability violation, meaning intent may not always be a defense, and such an attitude could potentially influence sentencing.

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