In Rhode Island, the dividing line between a misdemeanor and a felony is the maximum possible sentence. A misdemeanor is any offense punishable by up to one year in jail at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) and fines typically capped around $1,000. Common Rhode Island misdemeanors include first-offense DUI, simple assault, most shoplifting charges, disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license, and simple possession.
A felony is any offense that carries more than one year in state prison — and often much longer. Five, ten, twenty, or more years of exposure is routine for serious felonies, and some carry life maximums. Felonies trigger collateral consequences that misdemeanors don’t: permanent loss of firearm rights, loss of voting rights while incarcerated, mandatory DNA submission, and devastating impact on employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status.
The classification also changes which court hears your case — misdemeanors stay in District Court, while felonies move to Superior Court with grand jury indictment procedures. Bank & Munns defends both, but the strategy, timeline, and pressure points differ dramatically. If you’re not sure which side of the line your charge falls on, call us for a free consultation and we’ll walk you through it.