Section 44-20-35 Penalties for violations as to unstamped contraband cigarettes or contraband other tobacco products.

RI Gen L § 44-20-35 (2019) (N/A)

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§ 44-20-35. Penalties for violations as to unstamped contraband cigarettes or contraband other tobacco 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, 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, 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.)

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Section 44-20-34 Display of stamps in vending machines.

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Section 44-20-36 Possession of unstamped cigarettes.