State v. Sweeney

¶1 —An adult or juvenile who possesses a firearm after being convicted of any serious criminal offense is guilty of first degree unlawful possession of a firearm. RCW 9.41.040(l)(a). James William Sweeney pleaded guilty to second degree burglary, a serious offense, when he was a minor. Twelve years later, he was arrested and charged for unlawfully possessing a rifle. The trial court found that the juvenile burglary had washed out and therefore could not serve as the predicate offense for unlawful possession of a firearm. The State appeals the dismissal of the charge against Mr. Sweeney,…