Rhode Island law combines assault and battery into a single statutory framework, though the underlying concepts differ. Assault is the threat of imminent physical harm or the attempt to cause harm; battery is the actual unwanted physical contact or use of force. In practice, Rhode Island charges include simple assault (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-3), felony assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic assault. The specific charge depends on whether actual contact occurred, the severity of any injury, whether a weapon was involved, and the relationship between the parties. Defense work begins by identifying which specific charge applies.
