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Legal Information: New Hampshire

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
August 10, 2023

If the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can s/he keep or buy a gun?

New Hampshire state law says that the abuser cannot have a gun if s/he has been convicted of:

  • been convicted of a felony that harms another person or involves property;
  • been convicted of a drug-related crime; or
  • been convicted of three or more felonies under homicide, assault, sexual assault, arson, burglary, robbery, extortion, child sexual abuse images, or controlled drug laws.1

If any of these situations apply to the abuser, it may be illegal for him/her to have a gun. Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, may restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

1 RSA §§ 159:3; 3-a

How can I find out if the abuser has been convicted of a crime?

Criminal records are open to the public, but they are not always easy to access. If you know the exact courthouse where the abuser may have been convicted, you can go to the courthouse and ask the clerk of court for access to those records.

Domestic violence misdemeanor and felony records are also kept in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). However, no one other than law enforcement officials and licensed firearm sellers are allowed to search the NICS. Your local police department may be willing to search NICS for you if you ask, but they are not required to do so.

To read more about the NICS, please see the question What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?