Bill > H7198

This bill, effective upon passage, redefines the distinctions between felonies, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors in Rhode Island law. Previously, a felony was an offense punishable by over one year in prison, but this bill removes the financial penalty component from that definition. 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 over $1,000, or both, whereas before it was up to one year in prison or a $1,000 fine, or both. A petty misdemeanor is now an offense punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine between $500 and $1,000, or both, a change from the previous definition of up to six months or a $500 fine, or both. Additionally, the bill clarifies that whenever "one year" is used as a maximum prison sentence in existing laws, it should be interpreted as 364 days.

Justice

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