Sentencing in Rhode Island

Like other states, Rhode Island divides crimes into numerous categories based on severity. The most serious crimes are felonies of various degrees and punishments. Below those are misdemeanors, punished much less severely, and finally minor offenses. The punishments that the court can assign for these offenses vary depending on the offense and the circumstances. In addition, crimes which are not felonies can sometimes be removed from a first-time offender's criminal record.

Felonies, the most severe crimes, include things like burglary and murder. Felonies ordinarily result in some combination of steep fines, jail time, and probation. A felony conviction in many states can lead to losing the right to vote, and no felony conviction can be removed from a criminal record. Compared to other offenses, the jail sentences for felonies tend to be much longer, sometimes on the order of decades.

For less severe offenses, time behind bars is much less likely. Misdemeanors can result in comparatively shorter jail sentences, but very often these sentences are suspended. Probation describes a situation where, in lieu of being put behind bars, a person is allowed to go free so long as they do not commit any crimes. A crime committed while on probation leads to the original sentence going into effect, and will likely compound the severity of the offense further.

Misdemeanors also leave a mark on a person's criminal record. Fortunately, unlike felonies, many misdemeanor convictions can be cleared (expunged) from your record if you are a first time offender. An experienced expungement attorney can help you clear your record.

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Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly can use his years of experience in expungement law to help you clear your name. To learn how he can help you, contact him any time at 401-662-9006.