Assault with a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island is a felony under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-2 covering any assault committed with an instrument capable of causing serious bodily injury or death. The charge carries up to 20 years in state prison plus fines and a permanent felony record. The "dangerous weapon" element can include firearms, knives, blunt objects, vehicles used as weapons, and any other instrument used in a manner capable of producing serious harm. The case moves to Rhode Island Superior Court for jury trial because of the felony classification.
