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EspañolI have a temporary restraining order against the abuser. Is it illegal for the abuser to have a gun?
Whether or not it’s illegal to have firearms when there is a temporary order depends on whether the order was issued ex parte, without prior notice or a hearing, whether it was issued after notice and a hearing.
Connecticut state law prohibits someone from getting a certificate to carry a pistol or revolver if there is an ex parte restraining order against him/her that was issued due to the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person. The law says this specifically includes an ex parte domestic violence relief from abuse order and an ex parte civil protection order due to sexual abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.1 If s/he already has a certificate to carry a pistol or revolver, it will be revoked once an ex parte order is issued and s/he will be required to turn in his/her certificate to law enforcement within five days of receiving notice of the revocation.2
However, is not illegal to have any firearm or ammunition in one’s possession with an ex parte temporary restraining order. If your temporary order was issued after notice and a hearing, then it is illegal.3
1 C.G.S.A. § 29-36f(b)(6)
2 C.G.S.A. § 29-36i(a), (b)
3 C.G.S.A. §§ 53a-217(a); 53a-217c(a)
I have a final restraining order against the abuser. Is it illegal for them to have a firearm?
Connecticut law says that anyone who has any of the following final restraining orders against them cannot have or buy firearms or ammunition, and cannot get a certificate to carry a pistol or revolver, while the order is active:
- a restraining or protective order issued from any state in a case involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force;
- a firearms seizure order; or
- a risk protection order or risk protection investigation order.1
If the person already has a certificate to carry a pistol or revolver, it will be revoked, and they must turn in the certificate to law enforcement within five days of receiving notice of the revocation.2
Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if you have a final protection order against them that meets certain requirements, even if the judge does not specifically include in the order that they cannot have a gun. Go to our Federal Gun Laws page for more information.
1 Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-217(a); 29-36f(b)(6), (b)(7)
2 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-36i(a), (b)
Is there anything I can do to make it more likely that the abuser's gun is taken away when I get a restraining order?
Here are a few things that may help:
- If the abuser has a gun, tell the judge how many guns s/he has, and if s/he has ever threatened you with a gun(s);
- Ask the judge to specifically write in your restraining order that the abuser cannot own, buy or have a gun while the order is in effect. The form that you will have to fill out to petition for a restraining order will have a place where you can request additional protections. You can ask that the abuser’s gun(s) be taken away in that section.
- Before leaving the courthouse, check to make sure that the gun restriction is written on your order.
It also may be helpful if the judge explains what will happen to the abuser’s guns, who will take them, and where they will be held once you leave the courthouse. If the judge agrees to add language that the abuser cannot keep his/her guns while the restraining order is in effect, you may also want to ask that the judge:
- Require the abuser to give his/her guns to the police, or require the police to go to the abuser’s house and get them;
- Make it clear to both you and the abuser how long the guns will be kept away from the abuser; and
- Order that the police notify you when the guns are returned to the abuser.
