Law sets 364-day limit for one-year maximum prison sentences

Courts must treat a reference to a one-year maximum prison sentence as 364 days once the law takes effect. The rule covers references to maximum prison sentences in Rhode Island’s general and public laws. The sentence-interpretation rule takes effect on July 1, 2027.

The law classifies offenses by the prison sentence they allow. The range concerns the sentence an offense allows, rather than the sentence a person actually receives. This classification applies unless another law provides otherwise. The offense definitions take effect on July 1, 2027.

The law uses fine amounts to classify crimes punishable only by a fine. These thresholds cover offenses punishable only by a fine, with no prison term. These classifications apply unless another law provides otherwise. The fine-based offense definitions take effect on July 1, 2027.