Cocaine possession in Rhode Island can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount and circumstances. Small-quantity simple possession is often charged as a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail exposure for first offenses, though the statutory maximum is 3 years prison. Larger quantities, possession with intent to deliver, and trafficking quantities (typically over 1 ounce) are felony charges with significantly higher prison exposure and mandatory minimum sentences. Federal cocaine charges carry even higher mandatory minimums under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
