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Legal Information: Tennessee

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
November 27, 2023

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

Tennessee state law says that a person cannot have or buy any type of gun if s/he:

  1. has been convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon;
  2. has been convicted of a felony drug crime;
  3. has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence;
  4. is subject to an order of protection that complies with 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8); or
  5. is prohibited from having a gun under any other state or federal law.1

Additionally, Tennessee prohibits use or possession of a handgun by anyone that:

  1. is under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance;2
  2. has been convicted of a felony;3 or
  3. is under the age of 18.4

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 TN ST § 39-17-1307(b), (f)
2 TN ST § 39-17-1321(a)
3 TN ST § 39-17-1307(c)
4 TN ST § 39-17-1319(b), (a)(2)