State Gun Laws

The punishment (penalty) for violating the state’s firearms laws may depend on:

• how the abuser broke the law;
• what crime they were convicted of;
• the circumstances of the case;
• the abuser’s prior criminal history;
• whether or not they agree to a plea bargain or other alternatives offered; and
• other factors.

Under Mississippi state law, if a convicted felon has a firearm, they can be charged with a felony. If convicted, they can be punished by:

• a prison term of between one and ten years;
• a fine of up to $5,000; or
• both.¹

Predicting what the abuser’s actual punishment will be can be complicated. To find out what is likely to happen in your case, you may want to speak with the prosecutor assigned to the case or reach out to local law enforcement. You may also want to find a criminal lawyer who can provide guidance for your specific case.

Federal laws, which apply to all states, also restrict a person’s right to possess a gun if they have been convicted of certain crimes or if there is an order of protection against them that meets certain requirements. For more information, see our Federal Gun Laws page.

¹ Miss. Code § 97-37-5(2)