Walk It Through: The Gun in the Closet
A pistol on a closet shelf, a visiting teenager, and the difference between a civil fine and a crime.
A parent keeps a loaded pistol on a closet shelf, unlocked, while at work all day.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A handgun kept by a lawful owner. Carrying it outside, a prohibited person in the household and the federal rules on minors are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Crime of violenceA conviction in Rhode Island or elsewhere that bars a person from buying, owning, carrying or possessing any firearm, on pain of two to ten years.
- CyberstalkingSending electronic communications only to harass a person or their family. A first offense is a misdemeanor of up to one year or $500.
- Disorderly conductFighting, unreasonable noise, provoking words, obstructing a way, or interfering with a gathering, done intentionally, knowingly or recklessly. It carries up to six months or $500.
- Domestic abuseCausing or attempting physical harm, placing someone in fear of serious harm, or forced sexual relations, between family members or certain dating partners.
- FelonyAn offense that may be punished by more than one year, or a fine of more than $1,000, unless a statute says otherwise.
- Protective orderA family court order against domestic abuse, for a fixed period of no more than three years, which can order the defendant out of the home and firearms surrendered.
- Simple assaultAn assault or battery without the aggravating features of felony assault, punished by up to one year or $1,000.
- ViolationAn offense punishable only by a fine of not more than $500.
- Criminal storage in the second degreeLeaving a firearm where one knows or should know a child under eighteen years or a prohibited person is likely to reach it, when that person does. It carries up to one year or $1,000.
- Unsafe storage of a firearmLeaving a firearm somewhere other than in a locked container, or without a tamper resistant lock engaged, when no authorized user is close enough to carry it.