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.
