A wobbler is a criminal offense (crime) that may be charged by the prosecutor and sentenced by the judge as either a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense under applicable law.
In Rhode Island, the concept of a 'wobbler' offense is not formally recognized in the same manner as it is in some other states. Rhode Island law does not have a distinct category for crimes that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies based on prosecutorial discretion. Instead, offenses in Rhode Island are defined by statute as either misdemeanors or felonies, with the penalties and classifications set forth in the law. However, prosecutors do have discretion in deciding what charges to bring based on the facts of a case, and in some instances, may choose to charge a lesser offense that carries a lighter sentence. Additionally, judges have some discretion during sentencing to consider various factors that could affect the severity of the punishment. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand how the law applies to a specific case and what options might be available for charging or sentencing.