State Gun Laws

Virginia state law specifically says that a person who has a protective order against him/her cannot buy or transport a gun (and there will be a warning on your protective order form to the abuser that states this). Virginia state law also says that if the abuser has a concealed handgun permit, s/he must surrender it while your protective order is in effect.¹ However, you may also want to ask the judge to specifically write in the terms of the order that the abuser must give up his/her firearms. It also may be helpful if the judge:

• requires the abuser to give his/her guns to the police, or requires the police to go to the abuser’s house and get them;
• makes it clear to both you and the abuser how long the guns will be kept away from the abuser; and
• orders that the police notify you when the guns are returned to the abuser.

¹ Va. Code § 18.2-308.1:4