In Rhode Island, embezzlement becomes a felony when the total amount involved exceeds $1,500. Under that threshold, the charge is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500. Over $1,500 and up to $5,000, it is a felony with up to 10 years in state prison. Over $5,000, the maximum climbs to 20 years. The state aggregates every transaction it can trace, so even a long series of small thefts can add up to felony territory. Public-funds embezzlement and fiduciary embezzlement carry enhancements. The dollar value also drives professional license consequences and federal immigration exposure, since any loss over $10,000 becomes an aggravated felony under immigration law. Know the number the state is claiming, because cutting it is the first job of a Rhode Island embezzlement lawyer.
