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Legal Information: California

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
January 11, 2024

I do not have a DVRO against the abuser and s/he has not been convicted of a crime. Can s/he have a gun?

In California, if the abuser is addicted to any narcotic drugs, s/he is not allowed to buy or have a gun.1 If this is your situation, please talk to a lawyer or advocate in your area about how this law is being enforced. You can find organizations near you under the Places that Help tab at the top of the page.

If this situation does not apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Staying Safe page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our CA Advocates and Shelters page to find a local domestic violence organization near you.

For additional information on gun laws in California, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun under other circumstances. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

1 Ann.Cal.Penal Code §12021(a)(1)