Rhode Island Concealed Weapon Charges

Rhode Island has some rather unique laws regarding concealed weapons permits. It is a “shall-issue” state allowing the local Chief of Police to approve applicants, which is rarely done. Individuals stand a much better chance if they can justify their need for a permit to the Attorney General. Concealed weapons permits will only be issued to people age 21 or older who have completed a firearms course with a certified instructor. They must be able to qualify with a gun equal to or larger than the weapon intended for carrying. Permits are valid for a period of four years from the date they were issued.

Rhode Island Weapons Laws

Compared to other states, Rhode Island laws are quite restrictive. They don’t allow handguns to be openly carried, and they do not honor concealed weapons permits from any other state. Valid permit holders are prohibited from carrying their handgun in the following areas:

• The property of any private or public elementary and secondary school
• Any building or other structure on school grounds
• Any place where a school sponsored activity is taking place
• On any transportation provided by the school
• All state parks
• All national forests

It is illegal to carry a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Rhode Island Concealed Weapons Violations

Rhode Island is one of the few states that doesn't group felony offenses into classifications. Any felony crime is punishable by a minimum of one year in jail or by the maximum of life in prison. The weapons offenses and penalties are outlined below:

Plea Options

Anyone who has been charged with a criminal offense should be represented by legal counsel. If they have been confined in the county jail, their first hearing will be the arraignment. Defendants who have not been able to secure an attorney must enter a plea after the judge reads the charges against them. Their choices are:

• Plead Not Guilty—This is the best option because it allows time for the person to obtain a lawyer. The case will be set for trial.
• Plead Guilty—Even if you feel guilty of the crime, do not plead guilty because it can never be changed.
• Plead Nolo Contendere—This is Latin for “no contest” which means that the defendant doesn’t contest the charges. The court will enter this as a guilty plea, but the person doesn’t actually admit guilt.

Deciding when to take a plea bargain should be discussed with your attorney. The prosecutor may be willing to drop some charges or reduce the offense in some cases.

Consult a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney

The weapons penalties in Rhode Island are quite harsh in comparison to other states. If you have been charged a crime, consult a criminal defense attorney immediately. Whether you are in jail or out on bail, make it a priority to hire a lawyer who will work hard to defend your rights. They may be able to get evidence suppressed if the charges resulted due to an illegal search and seizure.