Case Result

Narragansett Man Carrying Pistol Without License Case

January 30, 2026 | John L. Calcagni, III

Criminal Charges:

Man charged in the Rhode Island Superior Court (Washington County) for:

Carry Pistol or Revolver Without License or Permit, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-47-8(a)

City, State, County and Court:

Narragansett, Rhode Island, Washington County
Rhode Island Superior Court (Washington County)

Case Overview:

Rhode Island State Police conducted a routine traffic stop of a vehicle with a Connecticut license plate. It contained three passengers: a man, his wife, and their small child. The trooper asked the male driver for his license, registration, and proof of insurance. While citing the operator for a traffic infraction, the man volunteered that he possessed a handgun on his person. The man made the disclosure in an abundance of caution, as he had a Connecticut license to carry a firearm. Because the Connecticut carry permit did not authorize the man to carry a concealed handgun in Rhode Island, the trooper placed the man under arrest for Carrying a Pistol Without a License in violation of Rhode Island Criminal Law. This charge was initially filed in Rhode Island District Court, and then ultimately in Rhode Island Superior Court. The man hired Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him in this matter.

Case Result: Deferred Sentence.

Attorney Calcagni attended a pretrial conference with the assigned judge and prosecutor. Citing his client’s clean record, cooperation with police, valid pistol permit, and voluntary disclosure of the firearm, Attorney Calcagni persuaded the Court to impose a deferred sentence. Under Rhode Island Criminal Law, the Court may defer imposition of criminal sentence for a defendant who admits responsibility to a felony offense. The sentence may be deferred for a term of not less than one and no more than five years. Providing the defendant is not charged with a felony offense during the deferred sentencing period, the case will become eligible for expungement. The man received a 4-year deferred sentence and avoided a felony conviction.