Federal Gun Laws

Even if the abuser has not been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor, and you do not have a protection order, it may still be illegal for him/her to have a gun. A person cannot have or buy a gun under federal law if s/he:

• is a fugitive from justice, meaning s/he fled any state to avoid being prosecuted or to avoid testifying in any criminal proceeding;
• is an unlawful user of or addicted to drugs (controlled substances) - but this does not include alcohol or tobacco;
• has been declared by a judge to be mentally incompetent or was committed to a mental institution against his/her will;
• has been found not guilty by reason of insanity or has undergone some other court proceeding about his/her mental illness;¹
• is an immigrant who is illegally or unlawfully present in the U.S.;
• has been dishonorably discharged from the military; or
• has given up (renounced) her/his citizenship to the U.S.²

If you think the abuser has a gun or can access a gun, it is important to try to make a plan for your safety. Access to a gun is one indicator that a victim may be at increased risk of death or serious harm – see our Danger Assessment page for a list of other risk factors. Our Safety Planning page has tips on how to plan for your safety. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our Advocates and Shelters page to find a local domestic violence organization near you and choose your state from the drop-down menu.

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun under other circumstances. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

¹ 27 C.F.R. § 478.11
² 18 USC § 922(g)(2)-(g)(7)