Carrying a pistol without a license

In Rhode Island, carrying a pistol without a license is a felony charge which requires the State to prove that an individual possessed a handgun in public without a permit or license to do so. To apply for a gun permit, you must be at least 21 and a U.S. citizen or legal resident along with other requirements such as taking a gun safety course. 

Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

This charge requires that the State prove all the elements of the crime of carrying a pistol without a license and an additional element- that the individual charged has been previously convicted of a crime of violence.  Many criminal offenses are considered a crime of violence including but not limited to robbery, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and breaking and entering.  If proven, this charge carries a minimum sentence of 2 years in prison which cannot be suspended.   

Possession of a Firearm while delivering a controlled substance

This charge requires that the State prove all the prove all the elements of the crime of carrying a pistol without a license and an additional element- that the defendant was delivering a controlled substance at the time of possession. 

Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds

This charge requires that the State prove all the prove all the elements of the crime of carrying a pistol without a license and an additional element-that this possession occurred while the individual was on school grounds.  Schools grounds includes more than just the actual school property and includes any building or structure being used for any school related activity,   

Possession of a Ghost Gun

Possession of a ghost gun or 3d printed gun is a fairly new criminal charge in Rhode Island.  It requires the State to prove that an individual possessed a "ghost gun" which is an informal term for a gun without a serial number. These guns are usually homemade or assembled from components and/or parts from kits or 3D-printers. While kits and parts can often initially be legally purchased online or at gun shows, it is unlawful in Rhode Island to possess a ghost gun that is operable or can be made to be readily operable.  This can include a gun that is not completely assembled or built. 

Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine

Recently, Rhode Island passed a law making it a felony offense to possess a high-capacity magazine. Because many of these same magazines were originally legally purchased, it is crucial to understand what the ban on high-capacity magazine laws entail. Our law prohibits the possession, sale or transfer of any feeding device capable of holding, or readily able to be extended to hold, more than 10 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously into a semi-automatic firearm. 

If you have been charged with violating any of these laws or any other gun law, you need an experienced attorney who is well versed in firearm-related charges in Rhode Island.  Remember that the specific strategies and defenses will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and only an experienced attorney can provide you with the best guidance for your situation.  We provide accessible, comprehensible, and up-to-date information on gun laws, empowering you to make informed decisions about your rights and your case.  Contact Manosh Payette, LLC at (401) 854-7794 for a free confidential consultation because your future deserves the best defense.