Bill > S2047

This bill amends existing Rhode Island law to further clarify the distinctions between different levels of criminal offenses: felonies, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors. Specifically, it redefines a felony as any offense punishable by more than one year in prison. A misdemeanor is now defined as an offense punishable by more than six months and up to 364 days in prison, or solely by a fine exceeding $1,000, or both. A petty misdemeanor is an offense punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine between $500 and $1,000, or both. The bill also clarifies that whenever the term "one year" is used in relation to maximum prison sentences in the law, it should be interpreted as 364 days. These changes aim to provide clearer definitions for these criminal classifications and will take effect immediately upon passage.

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