Juvenile Gun and Weapons Defense

Attorney Natalie Findley-Wolf represents young people and families throughout King County and across Washington State who are confronting firearm or weapons-related allegations. These cases demand immediate attention, clear investigation, and an understanding of how juvenile law interacts with public safety policies. The presence of a weapon in the hands of a minor is handled extremely seriously in Washington State. It affects charging decisions, detention status and whether release is available to the youth, diversion eligibility, and sentencing exposure. We focus on decisive advocacy that protects a young person’s rights while safeguarding long-term educational, professional, and personal opportunities.

The Range of Juvenile Weapons Allegations

Juvenile weapons cases in Washington cover an expansive range of conduct. Some begin when police find a firearm in a vehicle during a traffic stop or when a school resource officer discovers a knife, replica gun, or taser on campus. Other matters arise from allegations of brandishing, discharging a firearm, or possessing a prohibited weapon. Each situation involves different statutes under RCW Title 9.41 and potential outcomes that vary depending on facts and intent.

For example, RCW 9.41.040 governs unlawful possession of a firearm, which can apply when a juvenile is prohibited from handling a weapon because of age or prior adjudication. RCW 9.41.280 prohibits dangerous weapons on school grounds. RCW 9.41.050 addresses carrying a concealed firearm without a valid license. The nuances of these provisions and the manner in which police conducted their searches determine whether the case can end in diversion, adjudication, or dismissal.

The involvement of a firearm raises the stakes significantly. Prosecutors and judges treat gun cases as matters of public safety, which often leads to stricter charging, fewer diversion opportunities, and closer scrutiny of detention and release conditions. A juvenile accused of possessing or displaying a firearm may be detained in juvenile hall while the case proceeds, especially if the allegations involve threats, group activity, or injury.

How Juvenile Gun and Weapons Cases Begin

Most juvenile gun cases originate from police contact. Officers may then search vehicles, lockers, or personal belongings. Because these situations involve minors, both constitutional protections and search standards must be examined carefully.

Our first step in any case is investigation. We secure release if detention is an issue, demand full discovery, and review all body-worn camera footage, incident reports, and other documentation. We analyze whether police had lawful grounds for detention or whether the search exceeded the limits allowed by the Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 7 of the Washington Constitution. Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence often changes the outcome of the case.

Defenses in Juvenile Weapons Cases

Every weapons case turns on facts and context. Common defenses include lack of possession, lack of knowledge, unlawful search, mistaken identity, and procedural violations. In many cases, the alleged weapon is found in a shared space such as a car trunk, a backpack, or a bedroom used by multiple people, making it unclear who actually possessed or controlled the item.

Knowledge is another critical element. Prosecutors must prove that the youth understood the nature of the object and intended to possess it. If the young person reasonably believed the item was fake, inert, or not their own, that element may not be met. In some cases, we also challenge whether the object legally qualifies as a firearm or dangerous weapon under RCW 9.41.010. These statutory distinctions determine whether the case proceeds as a felony, misdemeanor, or qualifies for diversion.

When Weapons Allegations Include Other Crimes

Firearm allegations often appear alongside other charges such as assault, robbery, or harassment. When that happens, the state may pursue firearm enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 or related provisions. These enhancements add time to a sentence if a firearm was used or displayed during the commission of a felony.

Our defense strategy often includes challenging whether the weapon was used, whether it was operable, and whether credible evidence links the youth to the firearm. When possible, we present mitigating evidence showing fear-based reactions, impulsive behavior, or lack of criminal intent.

Collateral and Long-Term Consequences

Weapons allegations create consequences that extend beyond the immediate case. A finding of guilt can result in firearm prohibitions under RCW 9.41.047, which may last into adulthood. Non-citizens may face immigration complications, and schools can impose disciplinary measures such as suspension or expulsion. Employment, military eligibility, and housing opportunities may also be affected unless the record is sealed and rights are restored.

Washington law allows most juvenile records to be sealed if the youth completes supervision, pays restitution, and remains conviction-free for a designated period. 

Investigation and Evidence Review

Thorough evidence review forms the foundation of our defense strategy. We obtain and analyze every piece of discovery, including body camera footage, dash-cam video, chain-of-custody records, lab reports, and witness statements. When a firearm is involved, we can work with independent experts to evaluate operability, fingerprints, or ballistic findings.

If a weapon was found in a vehicle, we examine who had control of the car and where the weapon was located. If the allegation involves brandishing or threats, we assess distance, visibility, and witness accounts. We cross-reference police reports with objective video whenever possible. These factual details often determine whether a charge remains a felony, is reduced, or is dismissed entirely.

Timelines and Family Expectations

Juvenile gun and weapons cases proceed at different paces depending on complexity. Simple possession matters can resolve within months through. Cases involving discharges, threats, or serious felonies may last longer due to a variety of factorsFrom the first meeting, we provide families with a timeline and honest assessment. We explain every hearing, from detention through motions to suppress evidence, and prepare clients for what to expect. Keeping communication open and transparent helps families make informed decisions and remain involved at every stage.

Contact Findley-Wolf Law for Juvenile Weapons Defense

Attorney Natalie Findley-Wolf combines lengthy experience in juvenile defense with a family-centered approach. She understands how King County’s juvenile courts, diversion programs, and probation departments operate. Her familiarity with the system allows her to anticipate challenges, seek early resolutions, and develop strong mitigation materials.

The firm’s philosophy centers on precision, empathy, and consistent advocacy. Every case receives individualized attention and a tailored defense plan. Whether the allegation involves simple possession or an enhancement connected to another felony, our goal is always the same: protect the youth’s record, reduce harm, and secure a path forward.

If your child has been accused of possessing or using a firearm or weapon in King County or anywhere in Washington, contact Findley-Wolf Law for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys will review the facts, explain the juvenile court process, and design a targeted defense that addresses enhancements, transfer risks, and record-sealing options.

Call our office or send a message through our website to schedule a consultation. We will act quickly to investigate the evidence, challenge any unlawful searches, and pursue the most protective and effective resolution available under Washington law.