Kansas suppressor laws, as well as the laws concerning other firearm accessories, can be of high concern for firearms owners because being familiar with the law can help protect your rights. As such, it’s essential to gain a basic understanding of the regulations surrounding suppressors so you can be aware of what rights you’ve got when it comes to gun ownership. Moreover, even if you’re not a firearm owner, it’s worthwhile to understand the legal nuances of suppressors and other firearm accessories because they relate to overall family safety.
Suppressors are attachments for firearms that help muffle the sound of the gunshot, making them quieter on firing. Suppressors operate by suppressing the explosive energy that would shoot the bullet out of the gun, thus slowing down the “bullet speeds”. In effect, this does a few things, including:
Getting a suppressor legally requires you to pay a $200 tax (as of 2015) and to submit an application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, for review. BATFE will conduct an extensive background check on you to make sure that you have not had anything within your history that would require you to be excluded from owning firearms, as well as to make sure that you are not trying to acquire guns for anybody else. They are required by law to take 90 days to review your application, at which time they may approve it in which case the aforementioned $200 fee is collected and you receive a stamp, before the suppressor is approved for transfer from a dealer.
Kansas suppressor laws are rather straightforward. Suppressors are legal in the state for gun owners, provided they have obtained their BATFE approval beforehand.
There is one exception to this law however, which is that it is illegal in Kansas to own a gun equipped with a suppressor if you have been convicted of a felony weapons offense.
The federal government also has rules and regulations set up that limit access to suppressors for people who have been convicted of domestic violence, and that also limit their ability to use them in the presence of children. These restrictions, however, are not often enforced.
Kansas suppressor laws are very favorable for suppressor enthusiasts. The state is very welcoming to suppressor owners, and actually has some of the most lenient laws concerning suppressors in the country.
In fact, Kansas suppressor laws are more favorable than most laws in their neighboring states. There are 13 states with completely restrictive stances on suppressors, including Alabama, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Other states have laws that are somewhat middle-of-the-road, such as Florida, Georgia and Louisiana, who permit suppressors but may restrict their use in certain instances. Other states, meanwhile, have more parity with Kansas, such as Indiana, which allows for full suppressor ownership, but prohibits any individual with a history of domestic violence from using, possessing or buying a suppressor.
It is possible for suppressors to be involved in family law issues. For example, if a spouse owns a firearm outfitted with a suppressor, this has the potential to impact their child custody arrangement if it can be shown that the firearm has become a hazard to the children. Oftentimes, a gun owner with children would be encouraged to keep their firearms unloaded in a gun safe in a secret location, trigger lock fastened, until such time as they are able to use them.
As with all firearm-related law, anytime people are talking about firearms, it is always worthwhile to think about what kinds of laws or local ordinances might be in play. As such, it’s invaluable to hire a knowledgeable and experienced family law firm to get you through your case and advise you on any potential firearm issues.
This is the type of support we can offer at the Law Office of Douglas Kinslow, P.A., which has the experience and expertise to help individuals navigate the legal system no matter how complex their case might be. Firearms can be a source of division in a family, and there is a wide range of legal ramifications that may come into play in situations in which firearms are involved. Families need counsel that understands the nuances of their case to get them from point A to point B.
An investment in legal services can help protect your interests and the interests of those around you, so find the best legal aid possible for your needs to ensure you have the freedom to enjoy a safe, happy life with your family.
Learning about the law is valuable, and can provide a strong context for further legal discussions. We want our clients and potential clients to be as educated about the law as possible so they’ll know how to navigate even the most unexpected legal situations, such as the benefits of using suppressors in their own home. As such, we provide material that gets into the nitty-gritty details of the legal system. If you have questions about Kansas suppressor laws, or about the impact use of firearms may have on your family, it’s worthwhile to reach out to us and learn about the various options available to you.