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Legal Information: New Hampshire

State Gun Laws

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Updated: 
February 10, 2020

I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?

It depends. If you have a Protective Order against your abuser, or if your abuser has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor, then Federal law states that it is illegal for your abuser to buy, own or have a gun in their possession.1

In addition, New Hampshire state law says that a person cannot have a gun if s/he:

  • Has been convicted of a felony for a crime of violence;
  • Has a victim protection order against him/her (from any state);
  • Has been convicted of a drug-related crime; or
  • Has been convicted of three or more felonies (any type of felony).2

Note: There are certain requirements that your PO order must meet for it to qualify under federal law. See the next question to read more about what those requirements are.

1 18 USC Sec. 922(g)
2 RSA §§ 159:3 & 3-a

Legal Information

Online Information Clinic about restraining orders coming September 22, 2020 at 12 pm EDT

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