Rhode Island General Laws Title 6. Commercial Law--General Regulatory Provisions § 6-27-7. Civil and criminal penalties

(a) Any creditor who in connection with any credit transaction willfully imposes a finance charge in violation of § 6-27-4 or any regulation issued under § 6-27-4, shall be liable to the person in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100), or in an amount equal to twice the finance charge required by the creditor in connection with the transaction, whichever is the greater, except that the liabilities shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) on any credit transaction.  An action to recover the penalty may be brought by the person within one year from the date of the occurrence of the violation, in any court of competent jurisdiction.  In any action under this subsection in which any person is entitled to a recovery, the creditor shall be liable for reasonable attorney's fees and court costs as determined by the court.

(b) Any person who willfully violates any provision of § 6-27-4 or any regulation issued under § 6-27-4 shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(c) Except as specified in subsection (a) of this section, nothing contained in this chapter or any regulation issued under this chapter shall affect the validity or enforceability of any contract or transaction.

(d) No punishment or penalty provided by this chapter shall apply to the United States or any agency of the United States, or to any state, any political subdivision of a state, or any agency of any state or political subdivision.