State v. Anderson

Ralph L. Sharkey was charged with carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle without a license, RCW 9.41-.050(3). At a pretrial hearing, Mr. Sharkey contended the State was required to prove knowledge that the pistol was loaded as an element of the crime. In the alternative, Mr. Sharkey asserted he was entitled to present an affirmative defense he did not know the gun was loaded. The trial court ruled "[t]he crimes defined by RCW 9.41.050 do not require the proof of guilty knowledge.” The sole issue on appeal is whether the court erred in this ruling. We affirm.

On June 30, 1987, while transporting…