• General Information
  • Possession of a Firearm
  • Carrying Handguns Without a License
  • Obtaining A Concealed Pistol License
  • Leaving a Pistol in A Vehicle
  • Use of a Firearm By A Minor
  • Short Barreled Shotguns and Rifles
  • The Use of Deadly Force

    The State code provides that the use of, or attempted use of deadly force upon another person is lawful when used to prevent or attempted to prevent an actual felony against the individual using the force, or against a person in the individual's presence or to prevent an actual felony within the person's home or dwelling. The use of deadly force must be lawful; the individual's actions will be evaluated in light of his or her subjective impressions and all the acts and circumstances known to the individual at the time. The question is whether the shooter's conduct was what a reasonably prudent person would do under the same or similar circumstances as they appeared to the shooter at the time. In some cases, criminal and civil charges may be brought against a person who uses deadly force. If the shooter's action is found to be justified in a criminal case, the defendant's costs will be reimbursed by the state. (RCW 9A.16.050, RCW 9A.16.110)