Rhode Island Felony Charges and Penalties

In Rhode Island, a felony is a serious crime that may be punishable by a minimum of one year in jail and a maximum of life in prison.

Felony Sentencing and Convictions in Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not have classes of crimes such as Class A or B for felony crimes. According to its statutes, one either commits a crime or does not commit a crime.  However, there are various degrees of certain sexual offenses. The following provides an overview of the sentencing for each sex crime.

• First Degree Sexual Assault -- imprisonment for a period of not less than ten (10) years up to life imprisonment
• Second Degree Child Molestation Sexual Assault --includes imprisonment for a period of not less than six (6) years and not more than thirty (30) years.
• First Degree Child Molestation Sexual Assault -- imprisonment for a period of not less than twenty five (25) years and may result in imprisonment for life.
• Abominable and Detestable Crime against Nature -- imprisonment for a period of not less than seven (7) years and not more than twenty (20) years.
• Assault with intent to commit a first degree sexual assault -- imprisonment for not less than three (3) years and not more than twenty (20) years.
• Second Degree Sexual Assault -- imprisonment for a period of not less than three (3) years and not more than fifteen (15) years.
• Pandering-- imprisonment for not less than one (1) year and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00).
• Third Degree Sexual Assault -- imprisonment for not more than five (5) years.
• Indecent Exposure Disorderly Conduct -- includes imprisonment for a term of not more than one (1) year or a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or both.

Rhode Island Felony Records and Expungement

Under Rhode Island law, a felony conviction can be expunged ten years after the completion of the criminal sentence or probationary period.  However, there cannot be any other conviction, suspended sentence, fine or probation if there is another one on the defendant’s record.  In addition,  Rhode Island law does not permit certain violent crimes to be expunged. These include: murder, manslaughter, first degree arson, kidnapping with intent to extort, robbery, larceny from the person, first degree and second degree sexual assault, first and second degree child molestation, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to rob, assault with intent to commit first degree sexual assault, burglary, and entering a dwelling house with intent to commit murder, robbery, sexual assault, or larceny.

Rhode Island Statute of Limitations

The following constitutes the statute of limitations for the prosecution of felony crimes in Rhode Island:

• No limit:  homicide, arson, burglar, rape, sexual assault, child molestation, forgery, treason against the state, bigamy, manufacture, sale, distribution or possession of controlled substances
• 10 years: larceny, embezzlement, extortion, bribery, racketeering
• 7 years: violations of hazaradous waste disposal, water pollution
• 3 years: all other offenses

View all Criminal Statute of Limitations in Rhode Island

Help from a Lawyer in Rhode Island for Felony Charges

An experienced criminal defense attorney can not only evaluate one’s case in order to determine what options one may have in the matter, but also the attorney can assist one in making important determinations in preparing one’s defense.  In addition, the attorney can help to preserve any rights you may have, as well as help to obtain the most advantageous result under the circumstances.