SEATTLE (AP) — The state Supreme Court says a man who was convicted as a 13-year-old boy for sexually molesting his sisters can possess guns now that he’s been rehabilitated.
The man is identified only by his initials as R.P.H. in the 7-2 opinion issued Thursday. He was convicted in 2000, five years before he graduated from high school, and in 2007 a lower court determined that he completed his treatment and no longer needed to register as a sex offender.
Justice Gerry Alexander wrote for the majority that since he no longer has to register, he should get to keep guns. The man comes from a family of avid hunters.
Justice Barbara Madsen wrote in dissent that state law at the time prohibited anyone convicted of a sex offense can never have their gun rights restored.
