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EspañolIf the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can s/he keep or buy a gun?
Under Nevada law, a person cannot own or have a gun in his/her possession if s/he:
- has been convicted of the crime of battery which constitutes domestic violence or a similar crime in another state when the crime was committed against:
- a current or former spouse;
- a current or former dating partner;
- someone s/he has child in common with;
- his/her parent;
- his/her child or a child for whom s/he has legal guardianship;
- has been convicted of a felony in Nevada or any other state;
- has been convicted of a stalking in Nevada or any other state and the court entered an “admonishment of rights” (explained here), which prohibits the abuser from having or using a firearm; or
- is a fugitive from justice.1
Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict a person’s right to have a gun under certain circumstances such as when the abuser has been convicted of a felony or certain domestic violence-related crimes or if you have an order of protection against the abuser that meets certain requirements. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.
1 N.R.S. § 202.360(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.
Federal law specifically prohibits possession of a firearm if the person is convicted of any felony or of a domestic violence misdemeanor. Criminal records that would make a person ineligible to purchase a firearm 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?
