Penalties for assault with a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island include up to 20 years in state prison, fines reaching thousands of dollars, and a permanent felony record. The charge is one of the most serious assault classifications under Rhode Island law. Aggravating factors (serious bodily injury, victim in protected category, prior assault convictions) can push sentencing to the upper end of the range. The felony record triggers lifetime collateral consequences including federal firearm prohibition, voting restrictions during incarceration, professional license review, and severe employment background check impact.
