This bill amends Section 11-1-2 of the General Laws to further define the distinctions between felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, and violation offenses. It states that any offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year is considered a felony, while an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than six months but not exceeding 364 days is considered a misdemeanor. An offense punishable by imprisonment for not exceeding six months or solely by a fine of not more than $500 is considered a petty misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill clarifies that whenever the phrase "one year" appears in any provision of the general or public laws in reference to the maximum sentence of imprisonment, it should be interpreted as 364 days. The bill would take effect upon passage.
Statutes affected: 7527: 11-1-2