English
EspañolI have a temporary protection order against the abuser. Do I have to wait until I receive a full protection order before the abuser's guns are taken away?
Washington state law does allow a judge to order that an abuser’s guns be removed by an ex parte temporary protection order, but the judge must find that permanent (irreparable) injury could happen if the abuser’s guns are not removed before the hearing for the full protection order.1 The judge also has the option to order that the abuser’s guns be surrendered if the judge believes that the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon is a serious and immediate (imminent) threat to the health or safety of the public or any individual.2
However, if there is no specific mention of a firearm restriction in the temporary protection order, then you may have to wait until you are given a full order.
1 R.C.W. § 9.41.800(3)
2 R.C.W. § 9.41.800(4)
