English
EspañolWhat is the difference between federal and state gun laws? Why do I need to understand both?
In these pages, we refer to two types of gun laws:
- Federal gun laws apply to all U.S. states and territories.
- State gun laws can be different for every state or territory.
The major differences between these two types of laws are:
- who makes the law;
- who prosecutes someone who breaks the law; and
- what the punishment is for breaking the law.
It’s important to know about both types of gun laws so you can understand all of the reasons why it could be illegal for an abuser to have a firearm. This can help you protect yourself. In this section, we will mostly discuss your state’s gun laws. However, read our Federal Gun Laws pages to see if any federal laws also apply to your situation.
To learn more about reporting a violation of state or federal gun laws, go to Who do I notify if I think the abuser should not have a gun?
What is the definition of a felony?
In this section about gun laws, we discuss laws that ban people from having a gun if they were found guilty (convicted) of a felony. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. In Mississippi, a felony is any offense that can be punished by death or confinement in the penitentiary.1
However, you cannot always tell whether someone was convicted of a felony by looking only at how long they were in prison. Criminal sentences are often reduced or pled down, meaning a person may serve less time. If you don’t know whether the abuser was convicted of a felony, you can try to find the information in a few different ways. For example, you may be able to find the record online, or you might be able to ask the prosecutor who handled the criminal case. You could also try talking to the clerk at the courthouse where they were convicted to see what other options you may have.
1 Miss. Code § 1-3-11
I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?
In Mississippi, it might be illegal for a person to have a firearm if they have been convicted of certain crimes.
Also, federal laws, which apply in all states, can restrict the abuser’s right to have a gun under certain circumstances. You can find more information in:
