New Hampshire § 159-3 - Section 159:3 Convicted Felons.

Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 159-3 — Section 159:3 Convicted Felons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 159-3. Section 159:3 Convicted Felons.

I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if he: (a) Owns or has in his possession or under his control, a pistol, revolver, or other firearm, or slungshot, metallic knuckles, billies, stiletto, switchblade knife, sword cane, pistol cane, blackjack, dagger, dirk-knife, or other deadly weapon as defined in RSA 625:11, V; and (b) Has been convicted in either a state or federal court in this or any other state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States of: (1) A felony against the person or property of another; or (2) A felony under RSA 318-B; or (3) A felony violation of the laws of any other state, the District of Columbia, the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any territory or possession of the United States relating to controlled drugs as defined in RSA 318-B. I-a. A person is guilty of a class B felony if such person completes and signs an application for purchase of a firearm and the person is a convicted felon under the provisions of paragraph I. II. The state shall confiscate to the use of the state the weapon or weapons of persons convicted under this section. III. It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that a felony of which a defendant has been convicted in another jurisdiction would not have constituted a felony in the state of New Hampshire at the time such felony was committed.

Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 159-3

What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 159-3 cover?

Section 159-3 ("Section 159:3 Convicted Felons.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Hampshire § 159-3?

A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 159-3" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.

How does New Hampshire § 159-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.