Rhode Island § 44-20-35 - Cigarette, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System Products
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 44-20-35 — Cigarette, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System Products, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-20-35. Cigarette, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System Products
R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-20-35
§ 44-20-35. Penalties for violations as to unstamped contraband cigarettes, contraband other tobacco products, or contraband electronic nicotine-delivery system products.
(a) Any person who violates any provision of §§ 44-20-33 and 44-20-34 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 ten (10) times the retail value of the contraband cigarettes, contraband electronic nicotine-delivery system products, and/or contraband other tobacco products, or be imprisoned not more than one (1) year, or be both fined and imprisoned;
(2) For a second or subsequent offense in a twenty-four-month (24) period, fined not more than twenty-five (25) times the retail value of the contraband cigarettes, contraband electronic nicotine-delivery system products, and/or contraband other tobacco products, or be imprisoned not more than three (3) years, or be both fined and imprisoned.
(b) 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, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 44-20-35; P.L. 1972, ch. 155, art. 5, § 1;
P.L. 1978, ch. 140, § 1; 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. 2017, ch. 302, art. 8, § 15; P.L. 2024,
ch. 117, art. 6, § 16, effective January 1, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 44-20-35
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 44-20-35 cover?
Section 44-20-35 ("Cigarette, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System Products") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 44-20-35?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 44-20-35" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 44-20-35 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.