Letters

Insanity plea not tied to firearms

Saturday’s guest commentary by state Sen. Mike Carrell contained a glaring untruth that needs to be corrected.

In explaining his support for changes to procedures relating to the commitment of persons found not guilty of heinous crimes by reason of insanity, Sen. Carrell’s commentary states that such a person could be released back in to society with no criminal record and that they could “then legally purchase firearms.” This is inaccurate under both past and current state law.

Revised Code of Washington chapter 9.41.040 makes it unlawful for any person having previously been found not guilty by reason of insanity of committing any serious offense to either own or possess a firearm. This has been the law for quite some time and was not one of the changes enacted by the newest legislation.

Adam Yanasak

Attorney at Law

Everett

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