Assault penalties in Rhode Island scale with the charge level. Simple assault (misdemeanor) carries up to 1 year jail and $1,000 fines. Felony assault carries up to 6 years prison and higher fines. Assault with a dangerous weapon carries up to 20 years prison. Domestic assault carries mandatory minimum jail time (10 days for first offense, longer for repeat) plus Batterers Intervention Program and federal firearm restrictions. Assault on protected categories (police, healthcare workers, elderly victims) carries elevated penalties beyond the base assault charge. All assault convictions carry a permanent criminal record visible on background checks.
