---
title: "Is assault with a dangerous weapon always a felony in Rhode Island?"
description: "Yes. Assault with a dangerous weapon is always charged as a felony in Rhode Island under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-2 because the use of a weapon elevates the assault to felony status regardless of the..."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/is-assault-with-a-dangerous-weapon-always-a-felony-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Is assault with a dangerous weapon always a felony in Rhode Island?

Yes. Assault with a dangerous weapon is always charged as a felony in Rhode Island under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-2 because the use of a weapon elevates the assault to felony status regardless of the actual injury caused. Even an assault that produces no physical injury can be charged as assault with a dangerous weapon if the prosecution can show that a dangerous weapon was used or displayed in a threatening manner. The felony charge moves the case to Superior Court for jury trial and triggers all the procedural rigor and lifetime consequences of felony prosecution.