Rhode Island law

Criminal Defense Laws in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island classifies criminal offenses as felonies and misdemeanors. The state has no formal sentencing guidelines grid — judges have broad discretion within statutory ranges. Rhode Island has expungement laws allowing first offenders to petition for record clearing after waiting periods of 5 years (misdemeanors) or 10 years (felonies).

Last verified: 2026-02-25

Guided help

Ask about a criminal defense deadline, right, or next step.

Keep the question grounded in Rhode Island. FlowLawyers can route you to the statute section, legal aid, attorney search, or a guided workflow when one fits.

Fast paths

Explain my next step Filing deadline Attorneys Legal aid

The law sections below preserve the citations and source links. Use guided help when you need to move from reading the rule to choosing what to do next.

State law

Statute of Limitations

No limit for many serious felonies; 3 years for most other offensesR.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17

There is no statute of limitations for murder, arson, burglary, robbery, rape, first-degree sexual assault, child molestation, forgery, counterfeiting, drug manufacturing/distribution, or any offense carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Most other criminal offenses must be charged within 3 years.

Exceptions

Financial Crimes and RICO — 10 yearsR.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17(b)

Larceny, embezzlement, fraud, bribery, perjury, extortion, RICO violations, and elder exploitation carry a 10-year statute of limitations.

Environmental Crimes — 7 years from discoveryR.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17(e)

Violations of hazardous waste management, water pollution, and drinking water supply laws carry a 7-year statute of limitations running from when facts became known to law enforcement.

State law

Key Rhode Island Statutes

Expungement (First Offenders)R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-2

First offenders may petition for expungement after 5 years (misdemeanor) or 10 years (felony) from completion of sentence. The person must have no subsequent arrests, all fines must be paid, and the court must find good moral character. Crimes of violence are not eligible.

DUI PenaltiesR.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2

Rhode Island DUI penalties vary by BAC level. A first offense with BAC 0.08–0.10% carries a fine of $100–$300, community service, and license suspension of 30–180 days. BAC of 0.15%+ carries a $500 fine and 3–18 month suspension. All convictions require a DWI class and a $500 highway safety assessment.

Right to CounselR.I. Gen. Laws § 12-15-3

Any person charged with an offense punishable by imprisonment who cannot afford an attorney has the right to have counsel appointed by the court through the Office of the Public Defender.

State law

Official Sources

Rhode Island General Assembly — Statutes Rhode Island Attorney General — Expungements Rhode Island Judiciary

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.

Criminal Defense Laws in Rhode Island.

Ask about a criminal defense deadline, right, or next step.

Statute of Limitations

Key Rhode Island Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Other state law topics.