State v. Anderson

— The sole issue before us is whether “knowing possession” is an element of the crime of second degree unlawful possession of a firearm. We hold that “knowledge” is an element of the offense and, therefore, reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals, Division One, which affirmed the trial court’s determination that second degree unlawful possession of a firearm is a strict liability offense.

I

A vehicle driven by Thaddius X. Anderson was stopped by Seattle police officers for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop the officers learned that there was an outstanding warrant for Anderson’s…