---
title: "Is assault a felony or misdemeanor in Rhode Island?"
description: "Assault and battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in Rhode Island depending on the circumstances. Simple assault and battery without aggravating factors is typically a..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-assault-a-felony-or-misdemeanor-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-18
modified: 2026-04-18
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Is assault a felony or misdemeanor in Rhode Island?

Assault and battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in Rhode Island depending on the circumstances. Simple assault and battery without aggravating factors is typically a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony when it involves a dangerous weapon, causes serious bodily injury, targets a protected victim category (such as someone over 60 or a law enforcement officer), or occurs in the context of repeated offenses against the same victim. Felony assault charges carry significantly harsher penalties including years in state prison.