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Legal Information: Arkansas

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

I have an order of protection against the abuser. Can s/he have a gun?

Arkansas law does not specifically allow a judge to order an abuser to give up his/her firearms in a protection order.1 Also, Arkansas state criminal laws do not prohibit firearm possession when there is a protection order in place.2 However, the law does say that a person can be denied a license to carry a concealed weapon if s/he “is prohibited by federal law to possess or transport a firearm,” which includes someone who has a final order of protection issued against them that meets federal requirements.3

In addition, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if you have a restraining order against him/her that meets certain requirements. Under Arkansas state law, all orders of protection must include a notice to the abuser that it is unlawful for him/her to ship, transport or possess a firearm or ammunition based on these federal laws.4 Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

1 See A.C.A. § 9-15-205
2 SeeA.C.A. § 5-73-103
3 A.C.A. § 5-73-309(6)
4 A.C.A. § 9-15-207