Know the Laws: Kentucky
UPDATED June 15, 2007
Please consider getting in touch with a domestic violence advocate in your community for more information on gun laws in your area. To find help, please click on the Where to Find Help tab at the top of this page.
- Basic Info
- Guns and Protective Orders
- Guns and Criminal Convictions
- More Information and Where to Get Help
Basic Info
back to topI am a victim of domestic violence and my abuser has a gun. Do I have legal options for getting the gun away from my abuser?
Yes. Both Federal and KY state law prohibit certain persons from having and buying guns, and both Federal and KY state law can be enforced in Kentucky. We discuss both on this page.
If you have a Protective Order against your abuser, or if your abuser has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor, then Federal law states that it is illegal for your abuser to buy, own or have a gun in their possession. *
In addition, KY state law says that a person convicted of a felony cannot have a gun or buy a gun. **
Note: There are certain requirements that your Protective Order must meet for it to qualify under Federal law. See the next question to read more about what those requirements are.
If you are not sure if your abuser has been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor, see What crimes are considered domestic violence misdemeanors?
To read the definition of a felony, see What is the definition of a felony?
*18 USC Sec. 922 (g)(8); 18 USC Sec. 922(g)(9)
** KRS 527.040