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Legal Information: Connecticut

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

I have a final restraining order against the abuser. Can s/he keep a gun or buy a new gun?

Connecticut laws prohibit someone who has any of the following restraining orders against him/her that were issued after a notice and hearing from having any firearm or ammunition or from getting a certificate to carry a pistol or revolver while the order is in effect:

  1. a restraining or protective order issued from any state in a case involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force;
  2. a firearms seizure order; or 
  3. a risk protection order or risk protection investigation order.1

If the person already has a certificate to carry a pistol or revolver, it will be revoked once any of these restraining orders are issued and s/he will be required to turn in the certificate to law enforcement within five days of receiving notice of the revocation.2

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if you have a final protection order against him/her that meets certain requirements even if the judge does not specifically include on the order that s/he cannot have a gun. Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

1 C.G.S.A. §§ 53a-217(a); 29-36f(b)(6), (b)(7)
2 C.G.S.A. § 29-36i(a), (b)