State Gun Laws

As part of a protective order, a judge can specifically prohibit the abuser from purchasing, using, or possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon if the judge believes that the abuser’s use or possession of a weapon may pose a serious threat of harm to you.¹

In addition, even if the judge does not specifically put a firearm prohibition in your order, Utah state law says that a person cannot have a firearm or other dangerous weapon if there is a protective order or a child protective order against him/her that was issued after a hearing and the order:

• includes a term that prohibits harassing, stalking, threatening, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner or a child of the intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury; and
• either:
  • includes a finding that the respondent/defendant represents a “credible threat” to the physical safety of an intimate partner or a child of the intimate partner; or
  • specifically prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm against an intimate partner or the child of an intimate partner.²

In addition, the state can deny, suspend, or revoke a permit to carry a concealed firearm for the same reasons listed above.³

In addition, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if you have a protective order against him/her that meets certain requirements even if the judge does not specifically include on the order that s/he cannot have a gun. Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

If you are afraid for your safety, talk to your local domestic violence program about your options. Go to the UT Advocates and Shelters to find a program in your area.

¹ UT Code § 78B-7-603(2)(d),(3)(a)
² UT Code §§ 76-10-503(1)-(3); 76-10-501(6)(a)
³ UT Code § 53-5-704(2)(a)(viii)