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Legal Information: New Hampshire

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
August 10, 2023

I do not have a protective order against the abuser, and s/he has not been convicted of a crime. Is there anything I can do?

In New Hampshire, there is a law that says if you can show that you are in immediate and present danger of abuse (such as by calling the police, and having the police determine that you are in danger), the court may enter an emergency protective order that allows a peace officer to take your abuser’s gun(s) away.1

This emergency protective order may also allow a peace officer to search for any firearms that your abuser may not have given up voluntarily.1 Let the officer know if there are more guns in the house that your abuser has not given up voluntarily. This emergency protective order only lasts until the end of the next business day. In order for it to continue, you must file a petition for a protective order.

If none of these situations apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Safety Planning page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence program for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. To find a shelter or an advocate at a local program, please visit the NH Advocates and Shelters page under the Places that Help tab at the top of this page.

For additional information on gun laws in New Hamshire, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.

1 RSA § 173-B:4

I've read through all of this information, and I am still confused. What can I do?

Trying to understand both Federal and State law can be confusing. There are people who can help you better understand the law and your rights under the law.

  • You can write to our Email Hotline.
  • You can contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. See our NH Places that Help page.
  • You can also contact the National Center on Full Faith and Credit to get more information about the federal firearm law and how it applies to you: 1-800-903-0111