State Gun Laws

There are also a few steps you can take to help make it clear to the judge that the removal of guns should be included in the restraining order:

• If the abuser has a gun, tell the judge how many guns s/he has, and if s/he has ever threatened you with a gun(s).
• Ask the judge to write in your restraining order or to check a box that your abuser cannot own, buy or have a gun while the order is in effect.
• Before leaving the courthouse, check to make sure that the gun restriction is written on your order.

It also may be helpful if the judge explains what will happen to the abuser’s guns, who will take them, and where they will be held once you leave the courthouse. If the judge agrees to add language that your abuser cannot keep his/her guns while the restraining order is in effect, you may also want to ask that the judge to:

• Require the abuser to give his guns to the police, or require the police to go to the abuser’s house and get them.
• Make it clear to both you and the abuser how long the guns will be kept away from the abuser.
• Order that the police notify you when the guns are returned to your abuser.¹

¹ Americans for Gun Safety; “Domestic Violence and Guns: A Guide to Laws that can Remove Guns from a Domestic Abuser.” Note: This organization is now called Third Way, and no longer publishes this article on their site.