Rhode Island's Gun Regulations

Many people across the US enjoy recreationalhandgun, regardless of parental consent.
activities involving guns, such as hunting or targetFor people qualified to purchase firearms, there is a
practice. Many Americans are also interested inseven day waiting period.
keeping a gun in their home for the purposes of selfHow can I use my gun?
defense. There are many things a responsible gunIn Rhode Island, you must apply for a permit from
owner should know, such as proper use of their gun,the government before you can go hunting. Some
safety precautions and any legal regulations ofanimals, such as deer, can only be hunted in certain
firearms that their state may have. To help peopleseasons. People who are barred from owning guns
learn this important information, this article willfor the reasons listed above are also barred from
describe gun regulations in the state of Rhode Island.obtaining hunting licenses.
Who can purchase a gun?People living in this state have a legal right to protect
In the interest of protecting its citizens, thethemselves against attackers or trespassers on their
government of Rhode Island does not allow certainproperty. In the event of a burglary, this state does
people who may be dangerous or difficult to keepnot have a "duty to retreat" law. This means that if
track of to purchase any kind of firearm. In thissomeone invades your property, and you have
state, people who have been legally declared mentallyreason to believe that you are in immediate danger
incompetent due to a mental or emotional disorderof bodily harm, you can use whatever force is
are not allowed to own firearms. Similarly, peoplenecessary to protect yourself. This includes the use
who have been legally determined to be drug addictsof firearms in self-defense.
or alcoholics, or anyone currently in treatment forHow should I store my gun?
one of these problems, is prohibited from buying aIn this state, gun owners are legally required to keep
gun. People with a prior conviction of a violent crime,guns stored safely away from children, defined as
fugitives from justice and illegal immigrants are alsoanyone under 16. If a child obtains a gun and injures
legally banned from buying or using firearms.their self or another person, the owner of that gun is
People under the age of eighteen can only purchaselegally responsible.
guns with the consent of a parent or legal guardian,For more information about gun regulation, contact
and can only use their guns while under closeRhode Island weapons crimes attorney James
supervision. You must be 21 or older to purchase aPowderly.