---
title: "What counts as a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island?"
description: "A dangerous weapon in Rhode Island assault law includes any instrument capable of causing serious bodily injury or death when used as a weapon. Firearms, knives, baseball bats, hammers, brass..."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/what-counts-as-a-dangerous-weapon-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What counts as a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island?

A dangerous weapon in Rhode Island assault law includes any instrument capable of causing serious bodily injury or death when used as a weapon. Firearms, knives, baseball bats, hammers, brass knuckles, and other classic weapons are obvious examples. Less obvious examples include vehicles (when driven at a person), bottles, rocks, dogs (trained to attack), and even objects normally harmless when used in a threatening manner. The prosecution must prove both that the object was used as a weapon and that it was capable of producing serious harm given how it was used.