Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-1-2 — the maximum sentence sets the level, with one year and $1,000 as the line
Rhode Island has no lettered or numbered classes. Unless a statute says otherwise, an offense is sorted by the most it can be punished:
| Level | Most it can carry |
|---|---|
| LevelFelony | Most it can carryMore than one year, or a fine of more than $1,000 |
| LevelMisdemeanor | Most it can carryNot more than one year, or not more than $1,000, or both |
| LevelPetty misdemeanor | Most it can carryNot more than six months, or not more than $500, or both |
| LevelViolation | Most it can carryOnly a fine of not more than $500 |
Each statute names its own penalty, and that is what sets the level. The General Assembly has passed a change to these lines that is not yet in effect. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-1-2 — Felony, misdemeanor; Petty misdemeanor, and violation distinguished
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.