reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-2. - “Practice of law” defined.

§ 11-27-2. “Practice of law” defined.
“Practice law” as used in this chapter means the doing of any act for another person usually done by attorneys at law in the course of their profession, and, without limiting the generality of the definitions in this section, includes the following:
(1)
The appearance or acting as the attorney, solicitor, or representative of another person before any court, referee, master, auditor, division, department, commission, board, judicial person, or body authorized or constituted by law to determine any question of law or fact or to exercise any judicial power, or the preparation of pleadings or other legal papers incident to any action or other proceeding of any kind before or to be brought before the court or other body;
(2)
The giving or tendering to another person for a consideration, direct or indirect, of any advice or counsel pertaining to a law question or a court action or judicial proceeding brought or to be brought;
(3)
The undertaking or acting as a representative or on behalf of another person to commence, settle, compromise, adjust, or dispose of any civil or criminal case or cause of action;
(4)
The preparation or drafting for another person of a will, codicil, corporation organization, amendment, or qualification papers, or any instrument which requires legal knowledge and capacity and is usually prepared by attorneys at law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-3. - Receipt of fees as practice of law.

§ 11-27-3. Receipt of fees as practice of law.
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b), any person, partnership, corporation, or association that receives any fee or any part of a fee for the services performed by an attorney at law shall be deemed to be practicing law contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
A lawyer or law firm may agree to share a statutory or tribunal-approved fee award, or a settlement in a matter eligible for such an award, with an organization that referred the matter to the lawyer or law firm if: (i) the organization is one that is not for profit; (ii) the organization is tax-exempt under federal law; (iii) the fee award or settlement is made in connection with a proceeding to advance one or more of the purposes by virtue of which the organization is tax-exempt; and (iv) the client consents in a written representation that a division of fees will be made.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 46; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-3; P.L. 2006, ch. 578, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-4. - Forwarding of claim not deemed practice of law.

§ 11-27-4. Forwarding of claim not deemed practice of law.
The sending of a claim of a nonresident by a nonresident collection agency to an attorney at law in this state, who is to act solely as agent of the creditor and who is not to be subject to the direction or control of the collection agency, and who does not divide with the collection agency either his or her commission or fee for legal services, shall not be deemed to be practicing law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 46; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-5. - Practice restricted to members of bar.

§ 11-27-5. Practice restricted to members of bar.
No person, except a duly admitted member of the bar of this state, whose authority as a member to practice law is in full force and effect, shall practice law in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1494, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-6. - Compensation of unqualified persons for legal services prohibited.

§ 11-27-6. Compensation of unqualified persons for legal services prohibited.
No person, who is not a member of the bar under § 11-27-5, shall receive any pay or compensation, directly or indirectly, except any forwarding fee of an attorney at law of another state, for any services of any legal nature that are usually done by attorneys at law pertaining to any action or proceeding in any court or before any referee, master, auditor, commission, division, department, board, or other judicial person or body, or for the preparation of any legal instrument, and no court or other judicial person or body shall allow any pay or fee for that service to any person not a member of the bar under § 11-27-5, nor shall any executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, fiduciary, or another person employ or pay for the services any person not a member of the bar under § 11-27-5.
This section shall not be deemed to apply to an organization, or its representatives, meeting the criteria contained in subsection 11-27-3(b).
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-6; P.L. 2006, ch. 578, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-7. - Filling out and signing of process and communications — Business association with laymen.

§ 11-27-7. Filling out and signing of process and communications — Business association with laymen.
No attorney at law shall sell any writ of judicial process to any person, except to a member of the bar under § 11-27-5, nor shall he or she deliver any writ or judicial process to another person, and authorize him, her, or it to fill out and issue the writ or judicial process with his or her name on it as the attorney at law, except that the attorney may so authorize any clerk employed by him or her or registered student in his or her office, acting under his or her direction, or any person who is a member of the bar under § 11-27-5, and no person, who is not a member of the bar under § 11-27-5, or not a clerk or student so acting, shall fill out or issue any writ or judicial process for another person, except that nothing in this section shall apply to any justice, or judge or clerk of court, or any notary public or justice of the peace or other official or public boards or commissions acting within his, her, or their authority under the laws of this state. No attorney at law shall authorize any person, except a clerk employed by him or her or a registered student in his or her office acting under his or her direction, or a member of the bar, to use or sign the attorney’s name in writing or print in or to any letter or communication calling for the payment of any bill or account or threatening any suit or legal proceeding. No attorney at law shall, together with any other person who is not a member of the bar under § 11-27-5, have or conduct, or advertise or represent in any manner, that they have or conduct a law office or a law and collection office.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-8. - Solicitation of business by agents prohibited.

§ 11-27-8. Solicitation of business by agents prohibited.
No person, partnership, corporation, or association shall act in any manner or in any capacity as an agent for an attorney at law in the solicitation or procurement of any law business, and every contract for professional services secured by an attorney at law through the services of an agent shall be void.
This section shall not be deemed to apply to an organization, or its representatives, meeting the criteria contained in subsection 11-27-3(b).
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-8; P.L. 2006, ch. 578, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-9. - Restriction on acts of insurance claim adjusters.

§ 11-27-9. Restriction on acts of insurance claim adjusters.
No insurance claim adjuster or claim agent of any insurance company or public utility corporation shall advise any claimant, who has suffered injury or damage to his or her person or property, or his or her parent, guardian, next friend or other personal representative in respect to his or her legal rights or lack of legal rights arising out of any claim for that injury or damage, or advise any of them not to employ an attorney at law relative to that injury, damage or claim, or represent to any of them that if an attorney at law should be employed the claim would not be settled, or convey that idea by any other words, and no insurance claim adjuster, claim agent, or other agent of the corporation or company shall compromise, or attempt to compromise, any claim through or by means of the intervention of any person other than the claimant, a member of his or her family, his or her guardian or other personal representative, or his or her attorney at law; provided, that a violation of this section shall in no way affect civil rights.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-9; P.L. 1985, ch. 169, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-10. - Agreement or offer to furnish legal services.

§ 11-27-10. Agreement or offer to furnish legal services.
No person or persons, except members of the bar, either in his, her or their own name or names or under any firm or trade name, shall furnish or agree to furnish legal advice, service or counsel, nor furnish or agree to furnish an attorney at law, nor advertise in any manner that he, she, or they will furnish or agree to furnish legal services or advice or the services of an attorney at law. This prohibition shall not be deemed to apply to an organization, or its representatives, meeting the criteria contained in subsection 11-27-3(b). Nothing in this section shall be deemed to permit members of the bar to advertise contrary to the ethics of their profession.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-10; P.L. 2006, ch. 578, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-12. - Unauthorized holding out as qualified to practice law.

§ 11-27-12. Unauthorized holding out as qualified to practice law.
No person, except a duly admitted member of the bar of this state, whose authority as a member to practice law is in full force and effect, shall assume to be an attorney or counselor at law or hold himself or herself out in any manner to the public or to another person as being competent, qualified, authorized, or entitled to practice law in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1450, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 44; P.L. 1917, ch. 1494, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, §§ 44, 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 42; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-13. - Visiting attorneys.

§ 11-27-13. Visiting attorneys.
The provisions of §§ 11-27-1, 11-27-2, and 11-27-5 — 11-27-14 shall not apply to visiting attorneys at law, duly authorized to practice law before the courts of record in another state, while temporarily in this state on legal business, or while permitted to conduct or argue any case in this state according to the rules of practice of the supreme court, but no visiting attorney shall issue or indorse, as attorney, any writ of any court of this state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 44; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 42; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-14. - Penalties for violations.

§ 11-27-14. Penalties for violations.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon a first conviction, be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or both. Any firm, corporation, or other entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon a first conviction, be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500). Every person having been convicted of a subsequent offense involving the unauthorized practice of law in this state or in any other jurisdiction shall, for each offense, be imprisoned for a term not exceeding five (5) years, or be fined not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both. Every firm, corporation, or other entity having been convicted of a subsequent offense involving the unauthorized practice of law in this state or in any other jurisdiction shall, for each offense, be fined not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1450, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 349, § 44; P.L. 1917, ch. 1494, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, §§ 44, 45; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, §§ 42, 43; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-14; P.L. 1987, ch. 161, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-17. - Penalty for violations by corporation.

§ 11-27-17. Penalty for violations by corporation.
Any corporation violating any of the provisions of §§ 11-27-3, 11-27-4, and 11-27-16 — 11-27-18 shall be fined not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), and every officer, director, trustee, agent, or employee of any corporation or association who, directly or indirectly, engages in any of the acts prohibited in this chapter, or assists a corporation or association to do any prohibited acts, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be subject to the penalty prescribed in § 11-27-14. The fact that any officer, trustee, director, agent, or employer shall be entitled to practice law in this state shall not be held to permit or allow any corporation or association to do any of the acts prohibited in this chapter, nor shall that fact be a defense upon the trial of any corporation or of any of the persons mentioned in this section for a violation of any of the provisions of §§ 11-27-3, 11-27-4, and 11-27-16 — 11-27-18.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1494, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 46; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-27 - Law Practice › Section 11-27-18. - Legal Aid Society — Powers of supreme court.

§ 11-27-18. Legal Aid Society — Powers of supreme court.
Nothing in §§ 11-27-1 — 11-27-17 shall be deemed to apply to the Legal Aid Society of Rhode Island, or be construed in any way as an attempt to affect or as affecting the right of the supreme court to regulate and discipline members of the bar for breach of their duties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 46; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-28 - Malfeasance and Misfeasance in Office › Section 11-28-1. - Failure to pay state funds into treasury.

§ 11-28-1. Failure to pay state funds into treasury.
Every officer or other person receiving or having in his or her hands money belonging to the state that should be paid into the state treasury, shall pay that money to the general treasurer within seven (7) business days after he or she shall receive it or at any other times that may be deemed necessary by the general treasurer. In the case of funds which have been received by the state court system, he or she shall pay at any other times that may be initially approved by the director of finance of the supreme court and then approved by the general treasurer or unless otherwise provided by law. Every person who shall, without just cause, neglect or refuse to pay over that money, shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) or be imprisoned not exceeding five (5) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1896, ch. 29, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 39, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 37, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 605, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 11-28-1; P.L. 1987, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-28 - Malfeasance and Misfeasance in Office › Section 11-28-2. - Failure of officer to pay over fines, forfeitures, or penalties.

§ 11-28-2. Failure of officer to pay over fines, forfeitures, or penalties.
Every officer who shall receive any fines, forfeitures, or penalties shall immediately pay them into the proper office where by law they ought to be paid. Every judicial, executive, or ministerial officer who shall refuse or neglect for three (3) months to pay over any fine, forfeiture, or penalty or any part of which that may have come to his or her hands to the proper officer to whom by law they should be paid or delivered, shall be fined three (3) times the value or amount of the fine, forfeiture, or penalty that was withheld or not paid over.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 276, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 342, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 394, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 605, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 11-28-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-28 - Malfeasance and Misfeasance in Office › Section 11-28-3. - Failure of presiding officer or clerk of municipal governing body to perform duties.

§ 11-28-3. Failure of presiding officer or clerk of municipal governing body to perform duties.
The presiding officer of any city council or town council who shall refuse or neglect, when acting as the presiding officer, to put to a vote of the body over which he or she presides any appeal made by a member of the body from any ruling of the presiding officer, or who, when the appeal has been sustained, shall refuse or willfully neglect to put to the body the question which caused the appeal to be made, and any clerk or recording officer of any body who shall refuse or neglect to record in full the proceedings of any body of which he or she may be clerk as described in this section, shall be fined for each neglect or refusal not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and be disqualified for the term of five (5) years from holding the office of the presiding officer or the office by virtue of which he is the presiding officer.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 276, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 342, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 394, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 605, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 11-28-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-28 - Malfeasance and Misfeasance in Office › Section 11-28-4. - Omission or delay of duty by sheriff, sergeant, or constable.

§ 11-28-4. Omission or delay of duty by sheriff, sergeant, or constable.
A deputy sheriff, town sergeant, city sergeant or constable, who shall receive from any defendant or any other person any money or other valuable thing as a consideration, reward, or inducement for omitting or delaying to perform any duty pertaining to his or her office, shall be imprisoned not exceeding six (6) months or be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 276, § 21; G.L. 1909, ch. 342, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 394, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 605, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 11-28-4; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 35.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-29 - Mayhem › Section 11-29-1. - Penalty for mutilation or disabling.

§ 11-29-1. Penalty for mutilation or disabling.
Every person who shall voluntarily, maliciously or of purpose put out an eye, slit the nose, ear, or lip, or cut off, bite off, or disable any limb or member of another, shall be imprisoned not exceeding twenty (20) years nor less than one year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 277, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 11-29-1; P.L. 1990, ch. 84, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-1. - Definitions.

§ 11-30-1. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter and chapter 1 of title 10, the terms “nuisance or common nuisance”, “person”, or “place” are defined as follows:
(1)
“Nuisance” or “common nuisance” means and includes any place as defined in this section in or upon which lewdness, assignation, or prostitution is conducted, permitted, continued, or exists, and the personal property used in conducting or maintaining any place for that purpose, and all buildings, places, or tenements used as houses of ill fame, for illegal gaming, or where intemperate, idle, dissolute, noisy, or disorderly persons are in the habit of resorting;
(2)
“Person” includes any individual, corporation, association, partnership, trustee, lessee, agent, or assignee; and
(3)
“Place” includes any building, structure, or tenement, or any separate part or portion of a building or structure, or the ground itself.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 1925, ch. 672, § 1; P.L. 1932, ch. 1858, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-2. - Unlicensed manufacture or distribution of intoxicating liquor.

§ 11-30-2. Unlicensed manufacture or distribution of intoxicating liquor.
(a)
All buildings, places, tenements, vehicles, or vessels used for the manufacture for sale, the transportation for sale, the sale, or the keeping for sale, of intoxicating liquor for beverage purposes are declared to be common nuisances unless it shall be used, manufactured, kept for sale, or sold under a validly existing license issued for that purpose by some board, body, or official authorized to issue it.
(b)
“Liquor” or “intoxicating liquor” means any liquid fit for beverage purposes containing more than three and two-tenths per cent (3.2%) of alcohol by weight.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 1932, ch. 1858, § 1; P.L. 1933, ch. 2045, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-3. - Penalty for common nuisance.

§ 11-30-3. Penalty for common nuisance.
Every person keeping or maintaining any common nuisance enumerated in § 11-30-1 shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), and be imprisoned not less than thirty (30) days nor more than three (3) years.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 2, G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 2; P.L. 1928, ch. 1176, § 1; P.L. 1932, ch. 1858, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-4. - Penalty for nuisance involving intoxicating liquors.

§ 11-30-4. Penalty for nuisance involving intoxicating liquors.
Every person keeping or maintaining any common nuisance enumerated in § 11-30-2, or aiding in so doing, shall for the first offense be punished by a fine of not more than six hundred dollars ($600), and for a second and each subsequent offense shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or be imprisoned for not more than two (2) years in the adult correctional institutions, or both, in the discretion of the court. Money arising from fines imposed under this section shall be paid one-half (½) to the general treasurer of the state and one-half (½) to the treasurer of the town or city where the offense occurred.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 2; P.L. 1928, ch. 1176, § 1; P.L. 1932, ch. 1858, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-4; P.L. 1997, ch. 291, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-5. - Evidence as to intoxicating liquors.

§ 11-30-5. Evidence as to intoxicating liquors.
It shall not be necessary to prove an actual sale of intoxicating liquors in any building, place, or tenement, in order to establish the character of such premises as a common nuisance as provided in § 11-30-2 The notorious character of any premises, the notoriously bad or intemperate character of persons visiting them, the keeping of the implements or appurtenances usually appertaining to grog-shops, tippling-shops, or places where intoxicating liquors are sold, shall be evidence that the premises are nuisances within the meaning of §§ 11-30-1 and 11-30-2. Evidence of the sale or keeping of intoxicating liquors for sale in any building, place or tenement shall be evidence that the sale or keeping is illegal, and that the premises are nuisances within the meaning of §§ 11-30-1 and 11-30-2.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-6. - Annulment of lease by maintenance of nuisance.

§ 11-30-6. Annulment of lease by maintenance of nuisance.
If any person, being a tenant or occupant under any lawful title of any building or tenement not owned by him or her, shall use the premises or any part for any of the purposes enumerated in §§ 11-30-1 and 11-30-2, that use shall annul the lease or other title under which the occupant holds, and, without any act of the owner, shall cause the right of possession to revert and vest in him or her, and the owner may make immediate entry on it and repossess himself or herself of the premises without process of law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-7. - Landlord’s liability for nuisance.

§ 11-30-7. Landlord’s liability for nuisance.
Every person who shall let any building or tenement owned by him or her or under his or her control, for any of the purposes enumerated in §§ 11-30-1 and 11-30-2, or who shall knowingly permit any building, tenement, or part of one to be so used while under his or her control, or who shall after five (5) days notice from any officer or magistrate of that use of the building or tenement omit to take all reasonable measures to eject the tenant or occupant from the premises as soon as it may lawfully be done, shall be deemed and taken to be guilty of aiding in the maintenance of the nuisance, and shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or be imprisoned in the adult correctional institutions not less than sixty (60) days nor more than one year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-8. - Entry by police officers of premises — Commanding departure of persons found.

§ 11-30-8. Entry by police officers of premises — Commanding departure of persons found.
The sheriffs of the several counties and their deputies, and the town sergeants, constables, and chiefs of police of the several towns and cities may, within their respective towns and counties, enter any house or building that they have cause to suspect to be inhabited for purposes of prostitution and lewdness, to be resorted to by persons of ill fame or by persons of dissolute, idle, or disorderly character, or in which they have reasonable cause to believe intoxicating liquors are sold in violation of law, or unlawful games are carried on or permitted, or in which they have reasonable cause to believe a common nuisance is kept or maintained. Upon entering the house or building, they may command all persons assembled there to immediately depart from the house or building. In the event of the neglect or refusal of any person so commanded to leave, they may arrest that person and hold him or her for a period not exceeding twenty-four (24) hours for prosecution. Every person who shall so refuse or neglect shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty (30) days.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-8; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 15; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-9. - Officers commanding aid in execution.

§ 11-30-9. Officers commanding aid in execution.
Any of the officers referred to in § 11-30-8 may command aid in the execution of the authority conferred to them by that section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 92, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-10. - Unlawful sale of beverages by club or association.

§ 11-30-10. Unlawful sale of beverages by club or association.
All buildings, places, or tenements located within any town or city used by any club or other association, whether incorporated or not, for the purpose of selling, distributing, or dispensing intoxicating liquors to its members or others for beverage purposes, shall be deemed to be common nuisances, unless it shall be used for the sale, distribution, or dispensing of intoxicating or alcoholic beverages to its members under a validly existing license issued for that purpose by some board, body or official authorized to issue it. Whoever keeps, maintains, or assists in keeping or maintaining, a common nuisance shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and all costs of prosecution and conviction. Upon the conviction of any incorporated club or association or any officer, member, agent, or employee, under the provisions of this chapter, the charter of the club or association shall become null and void.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1235, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 108, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 120, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-11. - Injunction.

§ 11-30-11. Injunction.
Any person who shall use, occupy, establish, or conduct a nuisance, or aid or abet in it, either as principal or as the agent of any other person, shall be guilty of maintaining a nuisance and shall be enjoined as provided in chapter 1 of title 10.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 672, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 598, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-12. - Slaughterhouses, rendering plants, garbage plants, and brick kilns.

§ 11-30-12. Slaughterhouses, rendering plants, garbage plants, and brick kilns.
All buildings, places, or lands used as slaughterhouses, rendering establishments, garbage plants, or brick kilns, and located within three hundred (300) feet of any public park or public hospital, are declared to be common nuisances. This section shall not apply to any slaughterhouse or rendering establishment previously located by the proper authorities of any city or town. Every person who shall maintain any common nuisance of this type shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1240, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 1906, ch. 1345, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 109, §§ 6, 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 122, §§ 6, 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 600, §§ 6, 7; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-30 - Nuisances › Section 11-30-13. - Burning of decaying and waste substances.

§ 11-30-13. Burning of decaying and waste substances.
No owner, lessee, or occupant of any land used or suffered to be used as a dumping ground shall burn or suffer to be burned on it, and no other person shall ignite or burn on it, any refuse or decaying animal, fish or vegetable substances, or any waste materials or substances of any kind, in any manner that the burning shall be a nuisance to any person or persons owning or occupying any adjoining or neighboring land. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1523, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 109, §§ 8, 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 122, §§ 8, 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 600, §§ 8, 9; G.L. 1956, § 11-30-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-1. - Circulation of obscene publications and shows.

§ 11-31-1. Circulation of obscene publications and shows.
(a)
Every person who willfully or knowingly promotes for the purpose of commercial gain within the community any show, motion picture, performance, photograph, book, magazine, or other material which is obscene shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, or both.
(b)
For the purpose of this section:
(1)
In determining whether or not a show, motion picture, performance, photograph, book, magazine, or other material is obscene the trier of the fact must find:
(i)
That the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
(ii)
That the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by this chapter; and
(iii)
That the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
(2)
“Community standards” means the geographical area of the state of Rhode Island.
(3)
“Knowingly” means having knowledge of the character and content of the material or failure on notice to exercise reasonable inspection which would disclose the content and character of it.
(4)
“Material” means anything tangible which is capable of being used or adapted to arouse prurient interest through the medium of reading, or observation.
(5)
“Patently offensive” means so offensive on its face as to affront current standards of decency.
(6)
“Performance” means any play, motion picture, dance, or other exhibition performed before an audience.
(7)
“Promote” means to manufacture, issue, sell, give, provide, lend, mail, deliver, transfer, transmit, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, or advertise or to offer or agree to do it for resale.
(8)
“Sexual conduct” means:
(i)
An act of sexual intercourse, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including genital-genital, anal-genital, or oral-genital intercourse, whether between human beings or between a human being and an animal.
(ii)
Sado-masochistic abuse, meaning flagellation or torture by or upon a person in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification.
(iii)
Masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibitions of the genitals.
(9)
“Standards of decency” means community standards of decency.
(c)
If any of the depictions and descriptions of sexual conduct described in this section are declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unlawfully included because the depictions or descriptions are constitutionally protected or for any other reason, that declaration shall not invalidate this chapter as to other sexual conduct included in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 218, § 2; P.L. 1979, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-2. - Forfeiture of obscene publications.

§ 11-31-2. Forfeiture of obscene publications.
Any obscene book, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, or other thing mentioned in § 11-31-1 found by any officer in executing a search warrant or which shall be produced and brought into court shall be forfeited to the state. Further proceedings shall be had on them for their forfeiture as is prescribed by law in chapter 21 of title 12, and upon entry of final judgment of forfeiture the item shall be destroyed by order of the court. However, if any book, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper or other thing mentioned in § 11-31-1 is seized by any officer in executing a search warrant, it shall not be forfeited to the state unless the person, firm, corporation, or association claiming a proprietary interest in and to it or in whose possession it is found has been accorded the opportunity for a hearing on the question of whether it is obscene as provided by § 12-5-8.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 281, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 347, § 15; P.L. 1915, ch. 1219, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 399, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 610, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 11-31-2; P.L. 1965, ch. 168, § 6; P.L. 1966, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-8. - Entry of premises by deputies.

§ 11-31-8. Entry of premises by deputies.
Any deputy sheriff, when so directed by the director of the department of public safety, may, in the discharge of their duties, enter any exhibition, performance, or place mentioned in this chapter or chapter 22 of title 5.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 103, § 8; P.L. 1905, ch. 1249, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 124, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 129, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 362, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 11-31-8; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-10. - Sale or exhibition to minors of indecent publications, pictures, or articles.

§ 11-31-10. Sale or exhibition to minors of indecent publications, pictures, or articles.
(a)
Every person who shall willfully or knowingly engage in the business of selling, lending, giving away, showing, advertising for sale, or distributing to any person under the age of eighteen (18) years, has in his or her possession with intent to engage in that business or to otherwise offer for sale or commercial distribution to any person under the age of eighteen (18) years, or who shall display at newsstands or any other business establishment frequented by persons under the age of eighteen (18) years or where persons under the age of eighteen (18) years are or may be invited as a part of the general public, any motion picture, any still picture, photograph, or any book, pocket book, pamphlet, or magazine of which the cover or content consists of explicit representations of “sexual conduct”, “sexual excitement”, “nudity” and which is indecent for minors or which is predominantly made up of descriptions of “sexual conduct”, “sexual excitement”, “nudity” and which is indecent, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, or both.
(b)
As used in this section, the following words have the following meaning:
(1)
“Indecent for minors” means:
(i)
Appealing to the prurient interest in sex of minors;
(ii)
Patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and
(iii)
Lacking serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors;
(2)
“Knowingly” means having knowledge of the character and content of the publication or failure on notice to exercise reasonable inspection which would disclose its content and character;
(3)
“Nudity” means less than completely and opaquely covered; human genitals, pubic regions, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola;
(4)
“Sexual conduct” means act of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, sodomy, fondling, or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, or female breasts; and
(5)
“Sexual excitement” means human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 610, § 48; P.L. 1956, ch. 3686, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-31-10; P. L. 1960, ch. 134, § 3; P.L. 1966, ch. 259, § 2; P.L. 1971, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 406, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 221, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-11. - Severability.

§ 11-31-11. Severability.
If any section or provision or the application of the section or provision of this chapter to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the sections and the applicability of the sections or provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 276, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 406, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-12. - Penalty for making receipt of obscene publications a condition to delivery of other publications.

§ 11-31-12. Penalty for making receipt of obscene publications a condition to delivery of other publications.
(a)
Any person, firm, corporation, or association who shall as a condition to a sale, allocation, consignment, or delivery for resale of any book, periodical, publication, pamphlet, magazine, ballad, printed paper, print, photograph, or any other thing require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other book, periodical, publication, pamphlet, magazine, ballad, printed paper, print, picture, photograph, or other thing which is obscene or shall deny or threaten to deny any franchise or impose or threaten to impose any penalty financial or otherwise, by reason of the failure of any person to accept the book, periodical, publication, pamphlet, magazine, ballad, printed paper, print, picture, photograph, or other thing, or by reason of the return of it, shall be imprisoned for a term not to exceed two (2) years or shall pay a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor less than one hundred dollars ($100).
(b)
For the purpose of this section, “obscene” has the same meaning as defined in § 11-31-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 86, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 259, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 218, § 3; P.L. 1979, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-31 - Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows › Section 11-31-13. - Injunctive proceedings by attorney general.

§ 11-31-13. Injunctive proceedings by attorney general.
The attorney general, upon complaint being made to him or her under oath that any person is violating any of the provisions of §§ 11-31-1 and 11-31-12, may institute in his or her name as attorney general of the state of Rhode Island an action to enjoin the violation in a court of competent jurisdiction. The Rhode Island Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply to all such actions whenever possible. Any person against whom an action has been brought shall be entitled to a trial of the issues within one day after the joinder of issue and to a decision by the court within forty-eight (48) hours of the conclusion of the trial. No restraining orders or preliminary injunctions shall be issued under this section, and the hearing shall be upon the merits of the case. After the hearing, the court may restrain and/or enjoin any person, firm, corporation, or association from violating any of the provisions of §§ 11-31-1 and 11-31-12 with regard to whether criminal proceedings have already been or may be instituted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 86, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 259, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 218, § 3; P.L. 1979, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-32 - Obstructing Justice › Section 11-32-1. - Obstructing officer in execution of duty.

§ 11-32-1. Obstructing officer in execution of duty.
Every person who shall obstruct any officer, civil, military, or otherwise, including any state, city, or town police, deputy sheriff, or fire fighter, while in the execution of his or her office or duty, shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year or be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 276, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 342, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 394, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 605, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 11-32-1; G.L. 1971, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-32 - Obstructing Justice › Section 11-32-2. - False report of crime.

§ 11-32-2. False report of crime.
Every person who shall knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement of a crime, either oral or written, with intent that it be relied upon by a police officer of any city or town or by any member of the state police, shall be deemed guilty of obstructing an officer and shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year and/or be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), and shall in addition to this imprisonment and/or fine be ordered to make restitution to the person falsely accused of a crime for any damage which the person sustained as a result of the false complaint.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 184, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 176, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 11 - Criminal Offenses › Chapter 11-32 - Obstructing Justice › Section 11-32-3. - Obstruction of the judicial system.

§ 11-32-3. Obstruction of the judicial system.
Whoever corruptly, maliciously, recklessly, by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, endeavors to influence, intimidate, or impede any grand or petit juror or officer in or of any court of this state or officer who may be serving at any examination or other proceeding before any justice, magistrate, or other officer of the court, in the discharge of his or her duty; or injures any party on his or her person or property on account of his or her attending or having attended such court or examination before such justice, magistrate, or other officer, or on account of his or her testifying or having testified to any matter pending in it; or injures any grand or petit juror in his or her person or property on account of any verdict or indictment assented to by him or her, or on account of being or having been a juror, or injures any justice, magistrate, or other officer in his or her person or property on account of the performance of his or her official duties; or corruptly, maliciously, recklessly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede, the due administration of justice; shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisoned not more than five (5) years, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 91, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 442, § 5.