Posted on 02/27/2008 12:31:40 PM PST by rogue yam
Fellow FReepers, please forgive this, my first-ever vanity post. I am seeking advice for my friend who was arrested at Spokane Airport for going through airport security with a handgun in his carry-on bag.
Background: My friend is a responsible, married, small business owner with absolutely no criminal background. He has a valid Washington State concealed carry permit. On the day of his arrest he had been doing some business requiring him to carry cash, so he had also carried (in a small carry bag) a handgun for personal security. He went home and then went to the Spokane Airport to take a short in-state flight for a business trip. Unfortunately he simply forgot to remove his handgun from his carry bag so when he went through security at the airport and he ran his bag through the x-ray machine, the gun was discovered leading to his arrest.
The Airport Police were very reasonable and low-key and he was on his way in twenty minutes (minus his handgun, of course) but my friend is now charged with a Washington State criminal violation, RCW9.41.300, for carrying his handgun into a restricted area.
So here's the reason for my post: My friend is fairly new to that area and does not have local contacts with regard to legal advice, etc. Also, he has never had to deal with anything like this before. He called me to ask for advice as to whether he should plead guilty and/or whether and how he should seek legal representation in this matter.
We both searched for Washington State gun rights contacts and I told him I would post this request for information here on FR.
If any FReepers, and in particular Eastern Washington FReepers, have any suggestions or relevant experience regarding how my friend should proceed to resolve this honest mistake with no criminal intent, I would very much appreciate hearing from you either on this thread or by FReepmail.
Thank you all.
- rogue yam
marked to read later
I would contact the head of the Oregon Firearms Federation. He is a very reliable source, and should be able to advise.
Get a good lawyer that specializes in Federal firearms violation.
Then go buy him a new tooth brush and shower sandles. He’z gonna need’em.
Irresponsible gun owner, obviously.
First of all he should hire a good attorney.
Second, stall, stall, stall until the SCOTUS rules. They may be forced to drop charges if the charges are unconstitutional.
Other than that good wish him good luck.
Not trying to sound callous, but how do you forget where you have your guns?
Do you know where all your screwdrivers are?
Unless he’s in a position to marry a Kennedy on short notice I would say he should lawyer up.
Barry Switzer. Unfortunately this guy isn’t the head coach of professional football team and wasn’t about to get on a CHARTERED flight.
Time to Lawyer Up
This is not the first time someone has made this particular mistake. Several other prominent instances have already been mentioned on this thread.
He got promoted.
However when you go to Mexico you will see the signs and double check. Funny huh?
It was Switzer, and it was long before 9/11 if it matters...
A screwdriver is not a gun.
Thank you very much for your advice.
Clemenza, what do you know about Washington state gun laws?
People that carry, aren’t supposed to make those kinds of mistakes.
Agreed. Everyone makes mistakes, but this is a biggie.
I second contacting the NRA, and talking to the good folks at the High Road.org.
Basically, yes. Maybe it's because I have little kids, but I know where all mine are. If you have a CCW permit, why isn't it on you? I don't know, it's sounds irresponsible, but we all make mistakes, fortunately no one was hurt. I hope he isn't punished too much, enough so he won't forget it again though.
Thank you for your help.
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