Obstruction of justice penalties in Rhode Island scale dramatically by the specific charge. Simple obstruction of a police officer (misdemeanor) carries up to 1 year jail and fines. Witness tampering is a felony with up to 5 years prison. Evidence tampering is a felony with multi-year prison exposure. Bribery of public officials is a felony with up to 7 years prison. Perjury is a felony with up to 7 years prison. Federal obstruction charges (18 U.S.C. § 1503) carry up to 10 years prison and apply when the obstruction targets federal proceedings or federal agency investigations. Many obstruction cases run alongside primary charges, adding to overall exposure.
