Rhode Island General Laws 44-20-51. Penalty for violations generally
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person who or that violates any provision of this chapter shall be fined or imprisoned, or both fined and imprisoned, as follows:
(1) For a first offense in a twenty-four-month (24) period, fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000);
(2) For a second or subsequent offense in a twenty-four-month (24) period, fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisoned for not more than three (3) years, or both fined and imprisoned.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 44-20-51
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Person: means any individual, including an employee or agent, firm, fiduciary, partnership, corporation, trust, or association, however formed;
(10) "Pipe" means an apparatus made of any material used to burn or vaporize products so that the smoke or vapors can be inhaled or ingested by the user;
(11) "Place of business" means any location where cigarettes and/or other tobacco products are sold, stored, or kept, including, but not limited to; any storage room, attic, basement, garage or other facility immediately adjacent to the location. See Rhode Island General Laws 44-20-1
(b) Whoever knowingly violates any provision of this chapter, or of regulations prescribed thereunder, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided in this chapter, for each such offense, be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(c) When determining the amount of a fine sought or imposed under this section, evidence of mitigating factors, including history, severity, and intent, shall be considered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 663, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 44-20-51; P.L. 2007, ch. 246, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 250, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 151, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 512, art. 1, § 32.