---
title: "What makes an assault a felony in Rhode Island?"
description: "An assault becomes a felony in Rhode Island when it involves an aggravating factor beyond a basic confrontation. The two most common are the use of a dangerous weapon and causing serious bodily..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-makes-an-assault-a-felony-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-08-19
modified: 2026-08-19
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What makes an assault a felony in Rhode Island?

An assault becomes a felony in Rhode Island when it involves an aggravating factor beyond a basic confrontation. The two most common are the use of a dangerous weapon and causing serious bodily injury. Under Rhode Island's felony assault law, an assault or battery committed with a dangerous weapon, or one that results in serious bodily injury, is charged as a felony rather than as simple assault. An assault carried out with the intent to commit another serious crime, such as robbery or sexual assault, is also elevated. What counts as a dangerous weapon is broader than just guns and knives, because many everyday objects can qualify depending on how they are used. Because the presence of one of these factors is what separates a misdemeanor from a felony, whether that factor truly exists is often the heart of the defense.