R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-19-36: Payment to violent crimes indemnity fund.

Whenever any person pleads nolo contendere to either a felony or misdemeanor, the court accepting the plea may, in lieu of imposing the fine authorized by statute for the offense, order the person to pay an amount not to exceed the maximum fine permitted by statute to the violent crimes indemnity fund established by chapter 25 of this title. The obligation to make a payment to the fund shall be considered a civil penalty and shall not constitute a sentence in the criminal case.