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EspañolIf the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can they have or buy a gun?
Federal laws, which apply to all states, may restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun. You can see more information on our Federal Gun Laws page.
Many states also have laws that ban people convicted of certain crimes from having guns. For example, some states include:
- felony convictions
- hate crimes;
- misdemeanors involving violence and guns; or
- serious juvenile offenses.1
You can find your state’s related gun laws on our Selected Ohio Statutes page:
| Statute | Title (click on the links below to read each law) |
|---|---|
| 2923.13 | Having weapons while under disability |
| 2923.132 | Unlawful use of a weapon by a violent career criminal |
The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence also has a page on Firearm Prohibitions in Ohio.
1 Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Firearm Prohibitions
How can I find out if the abuser has been convicted of a crime?
Criminal convictions 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 What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?
