First-Degree Felony in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s first-degree felonies refer to the most severe versions of felony offenses. Crimes generally become first-degree based on factors like intent, use of a deadly weapon, the victim’s condition, and aggravating circumstances.

Unlike some US states, Rhode Island statutes do not distinguish crimes into classes or groups. The state, however, classifies felonies based on crime types, severities, and the number of prior convictions. Felonies are grouped into first-, second-, and third-degree categories.

First-degree felonies typically have the most severe impact on lives and property. For this reason, the state imposes severe consequences on such crimes. For instance, persons convicted of first-degree murder may receive capital punishment. However, second-degree murder may earn offenders ten years or more in jail.

Per Section 11-1-2 of the Rhode Island General Laws, felony crimes are punishable by more than one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. Misdemeanors and infractions are punishable by less than a one-year jail term.

Public Access to First-Degree Felony Records in Rhode Island

First-degree felony records are publicly accessible in Rhode Island. Interested parties can access these records through state or local entities.

At the state level, the Rhode Island Judiciary maintains an online searchable platform for first-degree felonies filed in the state courts. The Rhode Island District Court also offers an online search portal for district case files.

At the local level, inquirers can obtain information on felony cases by visiting the courthouse that handled the case. The county superior courts and district courts share jurisdiction over felony case proceedings. Thus, you must visit these courthouses to obtain court documents. The courts may charge fees to search and produce copies of requested documents.

Common Crimes Classified as First-Degree Felonies in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, typical examples of first-degree crimes include the following:

• Robbery in the first degree.
• First-degree sexual assault.
• Murder in the first degree.
• First-degree burglary.
• First-degree child molestation.
• First-degree arson.
• Kidnapping in the first degree.

Interested persons can find information on reported first-degree felonies via the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. The agency maintains a yearly report for all reported crimes in Rhode Island. Per the report, the state law enforcement agencies documented 1,141 aggravated assaults, 23 homicides, and 332 rapes.

Prison Sentences and Fines for First-Degree Felonies in Rhode Island

Rhode Island imposes different penalties for first-degree felonies. These penalties are usually more severe than the second- and third-degree versions of the crimes. Also, the penalties may differ based on the crime type, severity, and number of prior convictions.

The sentencing range for most first-degree felony crimes is five years and life imprisonment. Persons convicted of first-degree robbery may receive the maximum 10-year sentence along with fines up to $15,000. However, first-degree murder offenses may attract the capital punishment of life imprisonment. Note that crimes that attract capital punishments often involve violence- and sex-related acts.

What is the Maximum Sentence for a First Degree Felony in Rhode Island?

Under Rhode Island Statutes, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment for first-degree felonies like murder and aggravated sexual assaults. Note that the maximum penalties for first-degree crimes may differ based on the crime type, severity, and number of prior convictions. For instance, arson in the first degree has a maximum 5-year sentence and up to $25,000. Another example is first-degree robbery, which has a 10-year minimum sentence and a maximum fine of $15,000.

Based on prior convictions, first-time offenders for first-degree sexual assault may receive between 10 and 15 years in jail. However, the sentencing range is between 15 and 25 years for multiple counts of first-degree sexual assault.

What is First Degree Murder in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island General Laws classifies a first-degree murder as one in which a person performed these acts:

• Intentionally murdered another person while committing another felony or capital offense that carries a life sentence.
• Used a weapon or substance that caused the death of one person or more.
• Committed murder in return for money or something of monetary value from another person.
• Committed murder by torturing or battering a victim.
• Caused the death of a government official who was performing their official duty.
• Committed murder while being incarcerated for a felony offense.
• Committed murder while producing, delivering, or selling a controlled substance.
• Acted in a manner that caused great risk of death

There are no death penalties for first-degree murders in Rhode Island. Instead, persons convicted of first-degree murder may face between 15 years and life imprisonment. Convicted offenders might become eligible for parole after serving the minimum 15-year sentence.

Can First-Degree Felony Records Be Sealed or Expunged in Rhode Island?

No. Rhode Island statutes do not allow the expungement or sealing of violence-related felonies. This statute applies to most first-degree felonies since they contain an element of violence. Examples of violence-related crimes under the statute are:

• Murder
• First-degree arson
• First-degree sexual assault.
• First- and second-degree child molestation.
• Burglary.
• Robbery.

That said, persons convicted of non-violent crimes may file a petition for expungement at the courthouse that passed the conviction. Upon receiving the petition, the court may schedule a hearing date and review all evidence and requirements before deciding. If the petition is granted, the court might issue an order of expungement to all agencies holding the records.

Difference Between First-Degree and Second-Degree Felonies in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the crime severity is the main difference between a first- and second-degree felony. First-degree felonies are typically the most severe version of a felony and may involve these factors:

• A potential risk to cause grievous physical injury.
• Use of deadly weapons or substances.
• An act of intentionality towards causing harm to another.
• Number of prior convictions.

In contrast, second-degree felonies are less severe and carry relatively lighter sentences. Note that the penalties for first- and second-degree felonies may differ based on the crime type. For example, first- and second-degree murder charges may attract capital punishment. However, the maximum sentence is between 10 and 25 years for first- and second-degree robbery.

Statute of Limitations for First-Degree Felony Charges in Rhode Island

The statute of limitation is the period during which prosecutors or crime victims can prosecute offenders for crimes. Rhode Island has no statute of limitation for first-degree felony charges. The state exempts the statute of limitations for such crimes due to their severe consequences on lives and properties.

Probation and Parole Eligibility for First-Degree Felonies in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, individuals convicted of first-degree felonies are eligible for parole or probation, except if they serve a life sentence without parole. An inmate’s eligibility for parole or probation may depend on the severity of the crime, the length of the sentence, and the judge’s decisions.

Generally, inmates are considered for parole after completing one-third of their sentence. The Rhode Island Parole Board is responsible for issuing parole to inmates who meet the legal criteria. Parole allows an inmate to live out the remainder of their sentence according to the parole board’s conditions. R.I. Gen. Laws § 13-8-9.

Rhode Island court judges may decide to impose probation as an alternative to a court sentence. The probation may run for the duration of the sentence. During probation, offenders must adhere to the conditions, including weekly visits from a Probation and Parole Officer. The court may impose additional conditions such as no contact with specific individuals or substances.

Impact of a First-Degree Felony Conviction on Criminal Records in Rhode Island

First-degree felony convictions are publicly accessible via criminal background checks. Since they are public documents, offenders may experience any of these lasting consequences:

• Difficulty in securing jobs: Most employers conduct background checks to determine if a potential applicant is fit or suitable. Persons with a first-degree felony conviction record may lose their chance to work with security-conscious institutions like financial, healthcare, and educational institutions.
• Lower chances of getting housing: Housing authorities and landlords also conduct background checks on prospective renters. In most cases, they deny first-degree felony offenders for safety or security reasons.
• Loss of civil rights: convicted first-degree felons will lose their right to vote while serving a sentence for the offense. In contrast, persons convicted of crimes of violence may permanently lose their rights to bear arms.