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Legal Information: Rhode Island

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
November 30, 2023

I have a temporary restraining order against the abuser. Can his/her gun be taken away?

Maybe. Rhode Island law says that the judge can issue “any” temporary ex parte order that s/he believes is necessary to protect you from abuse.1 If you are thinking about asking for this to be included in your ex parte order, it may be helpful to list the known firearms that s/he has (or the possible access to firearms) in your petition and specifically request that the abuser be prohibited from possessing firearms while your temporary order is in effect.

If the judge does not include this restriction in your temporary order, then you may have to wait until a final order is issued.

1 RI Gen Laws § 8-8.1-4(a)(1)

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