A domestic violence accusation can affect more than your reputation. It can impact your rights, including your right to own or carry a firearm. In Texas, these charges carry weight long before a court reaches a verdict.
Firearm restrictions under Texas law
Texas law prohibits firearm possession for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence offense. Even a Class A misdemeanor can trigger this ban. If you’re convicted, you may lose your gun rights for five years after completing your sentence. After that, federal law can still block possession for life in some cases.
Federal law and domestic violence cases
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9) permanently bans firearm possession for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. This includes cases involving a spouse, partner, parent, or someone you share a child with. The law applies whether the conviction happened in Texas or another state.
Protective orders and firearm bans
Even without a conviction, a court-issued protective order can affect your gun rights. If someone files for a protective order against you and the court grants it, federal law may ban you from owning or buying firearms. These orders often follow domestic violence accusations and can last up to two years in Texas.
How accusations impact future ownership
Once you’re accused of domestic violence, gun ownership becomes more complicated. A pending charge can trigger temporary restrictions. If the charge leads to a protective order or conviction, the ban can be long-term or even permanent. Even dropped charges may create hurdles in background checks or gun purchases.
Domestic violence accusations affect more than your court record. They can change your legal rights, including your right to own a firearm. These restrictions can last years or even a lifetime, depending on the outcome of your case.
