If the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can s/he keep or buy a gun?
Depending on the crime, the abuser may not be able to legally have a gun. California state law prohibits the following criminals from having a gun in their possession:
- Any person who has been convicted of a felony;1
- Anyone who has been convicted of any offense involving the violent use of a firearm;2
- Anyone who has been convicted of certain misdemeanors (including violation of a protective order) cannot have a gun within 10 years of the conviction.3
If the abuser was convicted of a misdemeanor other than the one mentioned above, you might be able to get help from a local legal organization to find out if this conviction means s/he cannot own a gun under this statute. See CA Finding a Lawyer for resources. You might also be able to find out this information from the police.
1 Cal. Penal Code § 12021(a)(1)
2 Cal. Penal Code § 12021(a)(2)-(b)
3 Cal. Penal Code § 12021(c)(1)