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Writer's pictureBrianna C. Repetto, Esq.

Categories of Crimes in Rhode Island

See R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-1-2


What is a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is any criminal offense that is punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one (1) year. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)

  • Simple assault or battery

  • Domestic assault or battery

  • Violation of a no-contact order (NCO) – first offense

  • Cyberstalking and Cyber-harassment – first offense

  • Filing false police report

  • Indecent exposure

  • Public intoxication

  • Trespassing

  • Shoplifting

  • Etc.

A misdemeanor may be prosecuted by complaint pursuant to § 12-12-1.3.


What is a petty misdemeanor?

A petty misdemeanor is any criminal offense that is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six (6) months. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Prostitution – first offense

  • Possession of alcohol as a minor

  • Etc.

A misdemeanor may be prosecuted by complaint pursuant to § 12-12-1.3.


What is a felony?

A felony is any criminal offense that is punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment for over one (1) year. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Second-degree robbery

  • Breaking and entering (B&E)

  • Prostitution – subsequent offense

  • Possession of a firearm without a permit

  • Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon

  • Domestic Assault or battery – third or subsequent offense

  • Violation of a NCO – third or subsequent offense

  • Second-degree child molestation

  • Second-degree sexual assault

  • Third-degree sexual assault

  • Possession of a stolen motor vehicle

  • Possession of a controlled substance

  • Receiving stolen goods over $1,500

  • Second/third/fourth/fifth/sixth-degree arson

  • Cyberstalking/cyberharassment – second or subsequent offense

  • Stalking

  • Larceny

  • Kidnapping

  • Forgery

  • Elder abuse

  • Etc.

A felony may be prosecuted by indictment or information signed by the attorney general or one of the attorney general’s designated assistants (i.e., an attorney that is employed full time by the attorney general) pursuant to § 12-12-1.2.


What is a capital felony?

A capital felony is any criminal offense that is punishable by a term of life imprisonment. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Murder

  • First-degree sexual assault

  • First-degree child molestation

  • First-degree robbery

  • First-degree arson

  • Burglary

  • Etc.

A capital felony must be prosecuted by indictment (unless the defendant – with the consent of the attorney general and the Court – waives his or her right to indictment, in which event the capital felony may be prosecuted by information) pursuant to § 12-12-1.1.


For more information on questions related to crimes in Rhode Island and laws that surround these crimes, please contact Repetto Law, LLC and get yourself a defense attorney today!

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