Does a domestic violence conviction affect my right to own a firearm?

Yes — permanently. Under the federal Lautenberg Amendment, any person convicted of a domestic violence offense — including a misdemeanor — is permanently prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This applies to civilians, law enforcement officers, and military personnel alike. Rhode Island law also requires firearms to be surrendered when a domestic violence no-contact order is in place. This is one of the most severe and irreversible consequences of a domestic violence conviction, and it underscores the importance of fighting these charges aggressively.