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Rhode Island regulates how firearms and ammunition may be sold or transferred. Depending on the conduct, an unlawful-sale allegation can involve several statutes, including the ammunition-sale law at R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-64 and the chapter's general penalty provision at § 11-47-26.
Because more than one statute can apply, identifying the right charge matters. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review the specific facts.
Under § 11-47-64, selling ammunition to a person under 21, or (after the law's effective date) without a valid pistol/revolver safety certificate or hunter-education card, can be a felony punishable by up to five years and/or a $5,000 fine, with law-enforcement and military exceptions. Other unlawful firearm sales may be charged under the chapter's general penalty section, § 11-47-26 (generally up to one year and/or a $1,000 fine unless another section applies). A separate chapter, 11-47.2 ('Unlawful Sale of Prohibited Firearms'), is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026 — so the applicable law can depend on timing.
Statutes and penalties can change, and federal law may also apply. An attorney can confirm the current statute and how it applies to your specific charge.
Every firearm case turns on its own facts. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review your charge and explain your options in plain English.
The state generally must prove the specific unlawful conduct charged — for example, selling ammunition to a person who is underage or lacks the required certification, or another transfer that violates the licensing and sale rules. Which statute applies depends on the facts.
No outcome can be guaranteed. The right approach depends on the specific facts; an attorney can review how the law may apply to your situation.
The penalties for a firearm conviction can be severe. The sooner you have an attorney, the more can often be done to protect your rights.
Firearm cases often turn on how the weapon was found and whether police followed proper procedure. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights, preserve evidence and arguments such as a motion to challenge a search, prepare you for court, and avoid missteps that can affect the outcome.
Section 11-47-64 restricts ammunition sales, including to people under 21 and without required certification, with limited exceptions. Penalties can reach five years.
It depends on the conduct. Ammunition sales, transfers to prohibited or underage buyers, and dealer-licensing issues can fall under different sections, and a new chapter takes effect in 2026. An attorney can identify the right charge.
Every case is different. Depending on the evidence, the legality of any search, and the facts, some charges may be challenged, reduced, or resolved another way. No outcome can be guaranteed; an attorney can review whether any options may apply.
You are generally not required to discuss the facts of your case with police without an attorney. It is usually wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions.
A firearm conviction can affect your firearm rights under state and federal law. The specific impact depends on the conviction; an attorney can explain how a particular charge may affect you.
Bring any paperwork you received, such as the police report or arrest summary, your court notice or summons, bail paperwork, and anything related to the firearm. These help an attorney understand your situation quickly.
Related firearm charge pages for more help:
Criminal defense by Rhode Island county:
Speak with Attorney Leah J. Boisclair about your situation. Consultations are confidential, and early guidance can make a real difference.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Rhode Island criminal laws can change, and the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances. If you are facing a criminal charge, speak with a qualified Rhode Island criminal defense attorney about your situation.