§ 12-25-28. Special indemnity account for criminal injuries compensation.
(a) It is provided that the general treasurer establish a violent crimes indemnity account within the general fund for the purpose of paying awards granted pursuant to this chapter. The court shall assess as court costs in addition to those provided by law, against all defendants charged with a felony, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor, whether or not the crime was a crime of violence, and who plead nolo contendere, guilty or who are found guilty of the commission of those crimes as follows:
(1) Where the offense charged is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of five (5) or more years imprisonment, one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) or fifteen percent (15%) of any fine imposed on the defendant by the court, whichever is greater.
(2) Where the offense charged is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of less than five (5) years imprisonment, ninety dollars ($90.00) or fifteen percent (15%) of any fine imposed on the defendant by the court, whichever is greater.
(3) Where the offense charged is a misdemeanor, thirty dollars ($30.00) or fifteen percent (15%) of any fine imposed on the defendant by the court, whichever is greater.
(b) These costs shall be assessed whether or not the defendant is sentenced to prison and in no case shall they be waived by the court unless the court finds an inability to pay.
(c) When there are multiple counts or multiple charges to be disposed of simultaneously, the judge shall have the authority to suspend the obligation of the defendant to pay on all counts or charges above two (2).
(d) Up to fifteen percent (15%) of the state funds raised under this section, as well as federal matching funds, shall be available to pay administrative expenses necessary to operate this program. Federal funds for this purpose shall not supplant currently available state funds, as required by federal law.
History of Section.P.L. 1996, ch. 434, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 25, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 297, § 6; P.L. 2008, ch. 326, § 6.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 12-25 - Criminal Injuries Compensation
Section 12-25-1.1. - Transition to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1996.
Section 12-25-2 - — 12-25-8. Repealed.
Section 12-25-11, 12-25-12. - Repealed.
Section 12-25-12.1. - Repealed.
Section 12-25-12.2 - — 12-25-14. Repealed.
Section 12-25-16. - Short title.
Section 12-25-17. - Definitions.
Section 12-25-18. - Program established.
Section 12-25-19. - Awarding compensation.
Section 12-25-20. - Offenses to which chapter applies.
Section 12-25-21. - Nature of compensation.
Section 12-25-21.1. - Emergency fund for victims.
Section 12-25-22. - Limitations upon awarding compensation.
Section 12-25-23. - Terms of the award.
Section 12-25-24. - Subrogation — Prohibited.
Section 12-25-25. - Attorneys’ fees.
Section 12-25-26. - Recovery from offender.
Section 12-25-27. - Reports to the senate and the house of representatives.
Section 12-25-28. - Special indemnity account for criminal injuries compensation.
Section 12-25-29. - Use of funds to inform victims of their rights.
Section 12-25-30. - Deposit of funds.
Section 12-25-30.1. - Disclosure of records as to claims; confidentiality.