Domestic Violence Arrests and Gun Rights in Connecticut

Getting arrested for domestic violence in Connecticut can flip your whole life upside down in hours. One thing that catches many people by surprise is what happens to their gun rights. I get calls the very next day with the same question: “Do I have to turn in my guns?”
Short answer: Yes—and if you don’t handle it correctly, you can face additional criminal charges.

Connecticut law is strict. If you’re arrested for a domestic violence crime, here’s what usually happens:

• A criminal protective order is issued at your first court date (typically the next business day).
• Once that order is in place, you must surrender all firearms and ammunition within 24 hours.
• You have two legal options:
• Surrender to your local police department, or
• Transfer/sell through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL).

Both options comply with the law—but the experience is different.

• Do it within 24 hours of being served with the protective order.
• Unload every firearm; lock them in a case; no ammunition in magazines.
• Choose one path:
• Police surrender: Call ahead; ask for the property room procedure; bring ID.
• FFL transfer/sale: Confirm the dealer accepts individual transfers; bring ID.
• Bring a written list of make / model / serial numbers for each firearm.
• Obtain a receipt listing each firearm (and ammo) surrendered/transferred. Keep it.
• Ammunition & magazines: Surrender/transfer all ammo; follow any local rules on magazines.
• Transport only for surrender/transfer. Outside that purpose, no possession while the order is active.

• ✅ Free (no storage fees)
• ✅ Simple—bring firearms to the local department
• ❌ Possible delays or damage disputes in storage
• ❌ Some clients feel uneasy leaving valuable firearms with police
• ❌ Return can be slow if paperwork isn’t perfect

• ✅ You choose where/how guns are stored
• ✅ Option to sell instead of store
• ✅ Often faster to reclaim when eligible
• ✅ Many prefer a trusted dealer holding the firearms
• ❌ Transfer/storage fees may apply
• ❌ Not free—but often worth the peace of mind

Even if your criminal case is later dismissed, as long as a protective order is active, you cannot possess firearms or ammunition. It’s driven by the protective order, not just the charge.
Note: A qualifying criminal protective order can also trigger a federal prohibition on possession while the order is active.

Under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment), a conviction for a any crime of domestic violence results in a lifetime ban on firearm possession.
One guilty plea to a charge that sounds “minor” can cost you your gun rights forever. There’s no practical way to undo it. Protecting your rights means fighting the charge, not hoping it fades away.

If your case is dismissed or you complete a diversionary program like the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP), you can usually restore your rights—but it’s not automatic.

Steps:

1. The protective order must expire or be terminated.
2. DESPP (state police) typically suspends your pistol permit after arrest and order issuance; reinstatement generally requires proof of dismissal/expiration and can take a few weeks.
3. Follow the correct process to retrieve firearms from police storage or your FFL (your receipt and serial list will save time).

Yes. The surrender requirement is triggered by the protective order, not the charge level.

Within 24 hours of being served with the protective order.

No. Only police surrender or FFL transfer/sale are lawful options.

DESPP typically suspends your permit once notified of the arrest and protective order.

Usually yes, but not automatically. After the order ends and your permit is reinstated, you can request return (police) or retrieve/buy back (FFL).

For a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, federal law imposes a lifetime ban.

Yes. Your duty to surrender starts when the order is issued, regardless of what police said.

No. Connecticut does not provide a workplace exception while a protective order is in place.

FVEP leads to dismissal. Once the order ends and your permit is reinstated, you can reclaim firearms.

Waiting to get counsel and pleading guilty without understanding the permanent federal ban risk.

No. That’s an unlawful transfer and still counts as you possessing/controlling them. Use police or an FFL only.

Don’t. Crossing state lines while under a protective order can create additional federal/state issues. Use an FFL or police in Connecticut.

A detailed receipt listing make / model / serial for each firearm (and ammo). Keep copies with your case file; we’ll use it to confirm compliance.

Arrested after an argument, John assumed he could keep his hunting rifle because the charge was a misdemeanor. A week later, he was arrested again for failure to surrender firearms—a new felony that was tougher to fight than the original case.

A collector, Tom transferred his collection to a trusted FFL instead of police storage. Six months later—after dismissal and permit reinstatement—he picked up his collection the same day with no hassle.

If you’re a gun owner, the stakes are higher. My early priorities are:

• Protect your record to avoid the lifetime federal ban.
• Push for diversion (when appropriate).
• Seek realistic protective-order terms so your life isn’t completely upended.

Every decision in the first few days matters.

If you’re a gun owner arrested for domestic violence in Connecticut, don’t wait. The clock is ticking on your gun rights, your record, and your freedom.

Call (203) 357-5555 or fill out my contact form for a free consultation. Let’s talk through your options and build a defense that protects your future—and your Second Amendment rights.