State Gun Laws

Under Rhode Island state law, as part of a final restraining order (after notice to the defendant and a hearing), the judge can order that the abuser hand over any firearms in his/her possession to the authorities and forbid him/her from buying or possessing firearms. One exception to this, however, is if the abuser is a law officer, active member of the military, or in any other position where s/he is required by law or departmental policy to carry departmental firearms while on duty. For these defendants, they can have a firearm only during the course of their employment but at all other times, it must be stored at the place of employment.¹

In addition, Rhode Island’s gun laws make it illegal for anyone to possess or buy a firearm if there is a final domestic violence restraining order issued against him/her from either family court or district court.²

Lastly, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun if you have a restraining order against him/her that meets certain requirements even if the judge does not specifically include on the order that s/he cannot have a gun. Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

¹ RI Gen. Laws §§ 8-8.1-3(a),(k); 15-15-3(a),(f)
² RI Gen. Laws § 11-47-5(b)