State Gun Laws

Under Wisconsin state law, if the prohibition against having a firearm comes from the fact that there is a domestic violence or child abuse restraining order issued against him/her, then the prohibition may not apply. If the abuser is a peace officer (law enforcement officer) and s/he is required to possess a firearm while in the line of duty or it is a condition of employment that s/he possess a gun while off duty, then the law prohibiting firearm use will not apply.¹ Also, if the abuser is a member of the U.S. armed forces or national guard, s/he can possess a firearm while in the line of duty.²

However, if the abuser has been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor, then under federal law, the abuser cannot buy or have a gun, even if s/he is a police officer or a military employee.³

If you are confused or not sure whether the abuser can still use a gun for work purposes, you can contact us on our Email Hotline or call the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit at 1-800-903-0111, ext. 2.

¹ Wis. Stat. § 941.29(10)(a)
² Wis. Stat. § 941.29(10)(b)
³ 18 USC § 925(a)(1)