Rhode Island Drug Possession Law
Rhode Island Drug Possession Defense
What you're facing under R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28-4.01(c), how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Rhode Island (RI) law.
Offense Class
Misdemeanor (personal use under 2014 reform); Felony (larger amounts)
Maximum Penalty
1 year (misdemeanor); 3 years (subsequent)
Maximum Fine
$500 (first); $1,000 (subsequent)
Penalty Range in Rhode Island
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Rhode Island:
- Possession near school
- Prior drug convictions (subsequent offense enhanced)
Rhode Island-Specific Detail
Rhode Island reclassified simple possession as a misdemeanor in 2014 (previously felony). Personal-use amounts only. Distribution quantities remain felony.
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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Rhode Island drug possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.