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EspañolI do not have an order of protection against the abuser, and s/he has not been convicted of any crime. Can s/he have a gun?
Even if you do not have an order of protection against the abuser, and s/he has not been convicted of a crime, Missouri state laws make it illegal to have a gun in a few other circumstances. Missouri state law says that a person cannot have or buy a gun if s/he:
- is a fugitive from justice;
- is habitually intoxicated with alcohol or other substances; or
- is declared mentally incompetent by a judge.1
If none of these situations apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Safety Planning page for more information. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our MO Advocates and Shelters page to find a local domestic violence organization near you.
For additional information on gun laws in Missouri, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.
Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun under other circumstances. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.
1 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.070.1
I've read through all of this information, and I am still confused. What can I do?
Trying to understand both federal and state law can be confusing, but there are people out there who can help you better understand the law and your rights under the law.
- You can also contact the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit to get more information about how firearm laws apply to you: 1-800-903-0111 x 2.
- You can contact a local domestic violence organization in your area - see our MO Advocates and Shelters page.
- You can write to our Email Hotline.
