Laws about firearms in the DR

Hi,
What are the laws and requirements for purchasing, carrying, or using a firearm in this country. My question pertains to the use of a firearm for the protection of a business. Also, what are the regulations pertaining to bringing in a pistol from the US?

To obtain a firearm you need the permanent residency (not the provisional!) and some check ups for the application (not a big problem!).

Forget the Idea of importing a firearm - to costly and complicated!

You would have to buy it here and renew the permit every year for aprox. RD$ 3500.-!

Do you know just in case, if you shoot at someboy and hurt this person (not talking about killing!) you get jailed over here and need a lawer just to get out of the same!?

And any person caught with an ilegal arm will be jailed for good! (Ilegal arm - not registered with the police or not renewed!)

Also to remember legally the arms always belong all the time to the Dom. Government and sort of only are lend to you!?!

Some points to think about!

Henry

My understanding is that guns must be imported through the military, so if you have some connection there, it may be possible, but probably not worth the hassle.With your permanent residency, you can purchase one (1) handgun and up to three (3) shotguns. You may carry your gun within reason so long as you don't intimidate with it, carry to bars, etc. They will give you handbook at the time of your license which is very helpful in answering these types of questions. For handguns, available calibers are .380, .38 and 9mm. Anything larger is reserved for military. Shotguns are available in 410, 20 and 12 with 12's being the most popular. You need to purchase your gun new (you can buy used, but you are exposing yourself to a risk here that the gun was used in a crime, was stolen, etc., and as a foreigner, it isn't worth the risk for you in my opinion) at one of the firearm dealers (yellow pages) in many towns where they will complete your application etc. Various nice models of handguns are available including, Baretta, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Browning, Uzi along with lower end guns like Taurus. Be aware, many people like Anny Mosity, Carrots and Onions, Joachim will probably advise you to not get a permit by buying a used gun because: nobody that they know did, you will not get caught, dominicans do not, you are a fool to do so when you can save so much money, etc. DO NOT possess an unlicensed gun as this is a serious crime especially for a foreigner. A friend of mine spent two years in prison when a disgruntled employee advised the police that he kept an unlicensed shotgun in his house. Get a license.

Good advice Keith. A Glock is one of the better choices for this climate.

Sorry, I forgot the Glock. I agree Eddy, an excellent choice for this climate. And if you prefer the more traditional all-metal firearm, go for the stainless steel (as opposed to the blued) for its anti-corrosive properties.

Thanks Henry, Keith, and Eddy! We have a full time employee who lives on the property and serves as a night guard when we must be away. He is a born and raised Dominican with no past legal problems. He is a kind family man not given to violence or drinking. He has requested the gun, saying that in this area, (which is somewhat given to violence and other criminal activities)the general public knowlegde that there is a gun on the premices serves as a major deterent. He has explained to us that he would only discharge it in the air as a warning. What do you guys think of this situation? If he bought a gun, what would be my legal responsibilities? I would really appreciate your comments as you all three seem like very reasonable and intelligent folks!
Cathy

I recommend using the services of a security company. They have trained personnel and full insurance coverage. It might cost a little bit more but in the long run you'll be better off. As Onions and carrots hints in his post, YOU will be responsible for your employee's use or missuse of the firearm.

Cathy, Eddy (and Onions and carrots by inference) is 100% correct. If you purchase a firearm for him, you are responsible for its use and/or abuse. I would follow Eddy's advice and hire a security company.

Keith, Eddy and myself want to help you. Hire a scurity company.So if any incidental shots hurt someone which is more probable than you think the security company will be held liable. Then they will be permanent residents of La Victoria.