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EspañolIf the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can s/he keep or buy a gun?
Missouri state law says that a person cannot have or buy a gun if s/he:
- has been convicted of a felony in Missouri, or convicted of a crime in another state that would be a felony if it were committed in Missouri; or
- is a fugitive from justice.1
Note: The gun restriction for people who have committed a felony may not apply to an antique firearm, which is defined as a firearm manufactured in or before 1898.2
Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, may restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.
1 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.070.1
2 Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.070.3; 571.010(1)
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.
Domestic violence misdemeanor and felony 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 What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?
