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Legal Information: Rhode Island

State Gun Laws

Laws current as of July 19, 2024

What is a felony?

Throughout these gun law pages, we will refer to gun laws that make it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to have a gun. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. Rhode Island law defines a felony as a crime that can be punished by:

  • more than one year in prison; or
  • a fine of more than $1,000.1 

However, you can’t always tell if someone was convicted of a felony just by how long they were in prison. Sentences are often reduced or shortened if someone pleads guilty. If you’re not sure whether the person was convicted of a felony, you can ask the prosecutor or try to check the records at the local criminal courthouse.

1 R.I. Gen Laws § 11-1-2

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