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Essentially, a CRIME
is an offense against the law for which a person may be punished.
There are several types of offenses, some of which are relatively
trivial. First, there are offenses called VIOLATIONS
which are not considered “crimes” in the ordinary
use of that word. Violations can be punished only by a fine of
not more than $500: jail is not a possible sentence upon conviction
of a violation. The only time jail might result after a violation
is if a person is found guilty and is sentenced to pay a fine,
but wilfully refuses to do so; if a person is indigent, the law
guarantees them time to pay any fines, or restitution, or any
other monetary penalty. It is no longer legal for a judge to order,
$50 dollars or 10 days in jail.”
Lots of offenses are violations. For example, running a motorboat
without proper running lights is a violation; illegal shellfishing
may be a violation. Most traffic offenses, like parking tickets,
broken headlights, etc., are violations; others, like reckless
driving and driving while intoxicated are more serious.
MISDEMEANOR
offenses are more serious than violations, and are broken down
into two groups. A “petty misdemeanor” is any offense
punishable by a fine of $500 or less and/or by imprisonment for
six months or less. There are very few petty misdemeanors and
little difference between a “petty misdemeanor” and
a regular misdemeanor in Rhode Island. Any offense whose penalty
is imprisonment for more than six months but not more than one
year, or a fine of more than $500 but not more than $1000, is
a regular “misdemeanor.” On conviction of a misdemeanor,
a sentence may include jail, probation, a fine, or some combination.
Sometimes restitution is ordered as well. Often, a fine may be
paid in installments so long as payments are regular and timely.
Some examples of misdemeanors are driving while intoxicated, stealing
property worth less than $500, and simple assault. Lots of offenses
are misdemeanors. The most serious offenses are called FELONIES.
A felony is any offense punishable by a fine of more than $1,000
fine or imprisonment for more than one year. As is true of misdemeanors,
the sentence may consist of jail, probation, a fine, or any combination.
Although a felony is the most serious type of crime a person can
commit, there are lots of different felonies and some are more
serious than others. Felonies include murder, rape, robbery, burglary,
and arson, but also include breaking and entering, forgery, and
stealing property worth more than $500.
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