Know the Laws: Ohio
UPDATED December 9, 2008
WomensLaw.org strongly recommends that you get in touch with a domestic violence advocate in your community for more information on gun laws in your area. Go to the OH Where to Find Help page tfor legal assistance or a domestic violence organization in your area.
- 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. Federal law prohibits certain persons from having or buying guns (both federal law and state law are enforceable in Ohio).
If you have a Protection 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.*
Note: There are certain requirements that your protection 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)