Legal Information: District of Columbia

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
October 30, 2023

I have a temporary (ex parte) protection order against the abuser. Can his/her gun be taken away?

Washington, D.C. law does not prohibit an abuser who has a temporary protection order against him/her from possessing a firearm. However, you may be able to request in your petition for a temporary protection order that the judge prohibit the abuser from possessing a gun while the order is in effect since there is a section where the petitioner can request “additional protections.” It may be helpful if you list the known firearms that s/he has (or the possible access to firearms) and specifically request in your paperwork that the abuser be prohibited from possessing firearms while your temporary order is in effect.

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