Who Cannot Possess Firearms in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law establishes multiple categories of persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms. The primary prohibition statute is RIGL 11-47-5^[1], which bars any person convicted of a "crime of violence" from purchasing, owning, carrying, transporting, or having in their possession any firearm. The term "crime of violence" is defined broadly in RIGL 11-47-2 and includes murder, manslaughter, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, and other enumerated offenses.

Persons Convicted of Crimes of Violence (RIGL 11-47-5)

Section 11-47-5 prohibits firearms possession by any person who has been convicted of a crime of violence in any jurisdiction. The statute also covers persons who are fugitives from justice and persons who entered a plea of nolo contendere to, or were convicted of, offenses under the domestic violence statute, RIGL 12-29-5^[2]. Violation is punishable by imprisonment for not less than 2 years and not more than 10 years.

Mental Incompetents and Drug Addicts (RIGL 11-47-6)

RIGL 11-47-6^[3] prohibits the purchase, ownership, carry, transport, and possession of firearms by any person who is "mentally incompetent" or who is a "drug addict" as defined by state law. This statute bars the prohibited person directly from possession, reinforced by parallel federal law. A person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution is prohibited under both Rhode Island law and 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(4).

Non-Citizens (RIGL 11-47-7)

RIGL 11-47-7 prohibits the purchase, ownership, carrying, transport, and possession of any firearm by an unnaturalized foreign-born person who entered the United States in violation of federal law, or who entered lawfully but now remains in the country in violation of federal law. Lawfully present non-citizens are not covered by the state prohibition. Federal law is broader in one respect. 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5) bars aliens unlawfully present and, with limited exceptions, aliens admitted under nonimmigrant visas from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Minors (RIGL 11-47-33)

RIGL 11-47-33 makes it unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to possess and use any firearm. Exceptions exist for supervised use by minors in target shooting, hunting, or other lawful activities with parental or guardian consent. The statute places liability on adults who knowingly furnish handguns to minors in violation of the law.