I would have expected by this point that more knowledgeable people than I
would have responded to Billie's query, but since it's been pretty sparse
I'm not sure there is a quick or easy summary. I've represented some clients geographically within the 9th Circuit over the years, and in trying to advise them of their rights can say only that the 9th itself seems to change its attitude, mostly with respect to what can satisfy the requirements to restore firearms rights. Other circuits differ from the 9th, making the issue even more complex. You should see some letters from BATF, which suggest that under certain circumstances a felon may possess in Washington, but not in certain other states.
The US Supreme Court considered some of these issues in Caron v. United States, 118 S.Ct. 2007, 141 L.Ed.2d 303 (06/22/1998).
Lastly, each state may have a disqualification for state purposes, with state restoration also different, and occasionally a state (like Washington) must interpret what it thinks another state (like Idaho) has to say about disqualification and restoration.
Eric Stahlfeld
