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EspañolIf the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can they have a gun?
In Alabama, it is illegal for the abuser to have a gun if they have been found guilty (convicted) of doing or attempting any of these crimes:
- a felony in the past five years;
- three or more separate felonies from different cases, even if they happened long ago;
- a “crime of violence”;
- a misdemeanor domestic violence crime; or
- one of 51 violent crimes listed in Alabama law, such as stalking, domestic violence, or strangulation; you can see the full list on our Selected Alabama Statutes page, section 12-25-32(15).1
This law applies whether the abuser was convicted of these crimes in Alabama or someplace else.2
Federal gun laws may also make it illegal for the abuser to have a gun. To learn more, visit our Federal Gun Laws page.
1 Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-72(a)(1)(a)-(a)(1)(c); 12-25-32(15)
2 Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-72(a)(1)(a)-(a)(1)(c)
How can I find out if the abuser has been convicted of a crime?
Misdemeanor and felony records are open to the public, but they are not always easy to access. If you know the exact courthouse where the abuser may have been convicted, you can go to the courthouse and ask the clerk of court for access to those records. You can find contact information for courthouses on our Alabama Courthouse Locations page.
Criminal records are also kept in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). However, no one other than law enforcement officials and licensed firearm sellers are allowed to search the NICS. Your local police department may be willing to search NICS for you if you ask, but they are not required to do so.
To read more about the NICS, please see the question, What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?
