English
EspañolIf the abuser has been convicted of a crime, can s/he have or buy a gun?
Vermont state law says that a person cannot have or buy a gun if s/he has been convicted of a violent felony.1 Additionally, a person who is on probation cannot have or buy a gun if his/her terms of probation forbid it.2 There are additional conditions that might apply to someone who has not yet been convicted but who is currently being prosecuted; see I am the victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?
In addition, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict a person’s right to have a gun under certain circumstances. Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.
1 VT ST 13 §§ 4017; 5301(7)
2 VT ST 28 § 252(b)(8)
How can I find out if the abuser has been convicted of a crime?
Criminal records are open to the public, but they are not always easy to access. If you know the exact courthouse where the abuser may have been convicted, you can go to the courthouse and ask the clerk of court for access to those records.
Criminal records are also kept in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). However, no one other than law enforcement officials and licensed firearm sellers are allowed to search the NICS.
To read more about the NICS, please see the question, What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?
