Washington DC Gun Control Laws

According to the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975, all firearms owned in Washington, D.C. must be registered with the district’s police. This act also made it illegal to possess a handgun, but the regulation was struck down by the decision in the 2008 Supreme Court case, District of Columbia v. Heller. The court ruled that a ban on handguns was a direct violation of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gives all American citizens the right to bear arms.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

• Any individual who violates the revised Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 may be fined no more than $1,000 or be imprisoned for no more than one year.
• A person who is convicted of knowingly possessing restricted pistol bullets may not be imprisoned for more than 10 years or fined more than $10,000. A mandatory minimum sentence of one year exists for this offense.
• Firearms owners must register their weapons with the local police department, file a report if it is lost, stolen, or sold and carry the registration certificate with them at all times. Violation of these regulations can result in the following punishments:
• First violation- civil fine of $100
• Second violation- civil fine of $500, revocation of firearm registration, 5-year prohibition of subsequent registrations
• Third violation- civil fine of $500, revocation of firearm registration, permanent prohibition on subsequent registrations

Requirements: For Firearms Possession and Carry in the state of DC

Washington DC Gun Purchasing Laws

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

• Firearms can only be bought or sold, using a licensed dealer in the District.
• Ammunition may only be bought if it matches the caliber or gauge of the firearm that is registered with the District.
• Delivery of a firearm can only be made if the validity of registration certificate has been checked.
• Handguns are, as of 2008, legal to possess in the District of Columbia.

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of DC

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in DC

As in the rest of the United States, use of a firearm for the purpose of self-defense or the defense of another individual is not generally punishable by law. If the individual who discharged the firearm can prove that he or she has reasonable belief that he or she was in imminent danger or witnessed another individual in imminent danger, then he or she cannot be charged with a firearm violation.

Legal Help

If accused or charged with a firearm offense in the District of Columbia, it is important to immediately hire an experienced defense attorney.