Gun Crimes Attorney

Navigate your Case with the Help of an Experienced Gun Crimes Attorney in Rhode Island

Gun crimes are some of the most serious charges in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has tough gun laws, including laws prohibiting “ghost” guns.  Contact a seasoned gun crimes attorney immediately if you face or expect to face this type of criminal charge.

Possible penalties for a gun crime conviction include years of imprisonment, harsh fines, and loss of your gun rights. Furthermore, such a conviction can stay on your record and harm your reputation, employment prospects, and your ability to qualify for loans.

Your situation is even more complicated if your gun crime charge joins other charges, like using or selling illegal substances, using a weapon during violent crimes, or if you have previous criminal convictions.

Providence-based lawyer Thomas G. Briody will use an efficient and aggressive legal strategy to protect your rights and defend you against charges. Contact our gun crime law firm today to start working on your case.

Examples of Gun Crimes and Types of Gun Crime Charges in Rhode Island — State and Federal

Possible gun charges in Rhode Island include the following:

• Possession of firearms by convicted felons, illegal immigrants, or substance addicts (federal law)
• Possession of illegal firearms, like machine guns, sawed-off shotguns or “ghost” guns (state law)
• Unlawful discharge of a firearm (state law)
• Carrying a firearm on school grounds (state law)
• Firearm possession during criminal activity (state law)

Understand What is Legal or Illegal When Purchasing, Carrying, or Using a Weapon in Rhode Island

To carry a gun in Rhode Island, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Reside or work within the local jurisdiction where you apply, or hold another state’s concealed carry license
• Present a valid reason for carrying a handgun (e.g., protecting your property or person)
• Apply and qualify for a pistol/revolver safety certificate (a.k.a. “blue card”)

Rhode Island law imposes numerous restrictions on gun possession and use. Machine guns are illegal in RI, as are sawed-off rifles and shotguns, armor-piercing bullets, silencers, and bump stocks.

Additionally, you cannot carry a firearm in Rhode Island if you:

• Have been convicted of a violent crime, including certain domestic violence offenses
• Are subject to a protective order
• Are on parole, under house arrest, or under electronic surveillance
• Are a fugitive from justice
• Are mentally incompetent or under guardianship
• Reside in the U.S. illegally
• Participate in a treatment program for substance abuse

A gun law lawyer can help you understand whether you have likely violated one of the state’s gun regulations and which legal strategies can help you fight gun crime charges.

Consequences of Conviction for Rhode Island Gun Crime Charges

The possible legal penalties for a gun crime conviction depend on the specific charge. Offenders may face:

• Up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for firearm possession by a prohibited person
• Up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000 for carrying firearms without a license
• Up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000 for machine gun possession
• Up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000 for possession of a sawed-off shotgun or rifle
• Imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $5,000 for firearm possession on school grounds

With your freedom, reputation, career, and future at stake, it’s vital to start working with a smart, savvy gun crimes attorney as soon as possible. Criminal defense attorney Thomas G. Briody has helped many people accused of gun crimes in Providence, RI, clear their names and rebuild their lives.

Criminal Defense Strategies for Gun Crime Charges in Rhode Island

Depending on your case’s circumstances, gun crimes lawyer Thomas G. Briody may use several powerful legal strategies to fight the charges against you, like exposing transgressions in police procedures during your case or defying the assertion of your ownership of the firearm.

We can file a motion to suppress unlawfully sourced evidence (e.g., evidence gathered during an illegal search and seizure). We may also challenge statements by the prosecution’s witnesses. If your charges involve using a gun against another person, we may be able to show you used the weapon in self-defense.

If it’s impossible to achieve a dropping of charges or full acquittal, we’ll use any means to reduce the charges and lessen the penalties you may face.

Work Closely With an Experienced Defense Attorney for Gun Crimes As Soon As You Suspect You May Have a Problem — Before You Are Charged, If Possible

Even if you violated a state or federal gun law in Rhode Island, we at the Law Office of Thomas G. Briody believe that a single mistake shouldn’t destroy your future. In many cases, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can preserve your freedom, protect your reputation, and mitigate the legal consequences of a gun crime charge.

Quick legal action can improve your chances of successful defense against criminal charges. Call (401) 751-5151 or contact our firm online today to discuss your case with a seasoned gun crimes attorney in Providence, RI.

Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody — Aggressive, Compassionate Defense