{"id":376170,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:37","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:50:01","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:50:01","slug":"rhode-island-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rhode Island Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Note:<\/b> If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence<\/a> 24 Hour Helpline at 1-800-494-8100, or your local police department.<\/i><\/p>\n

Stalking isn’t a single occurrence, but is defined<\/a> as a pattern of malicious behavior that causes another person to fear for their safety or experience extreme apprehension. State stalking laws<\/a> all have their own definitions of what exactly constitutes stalking, but they tend to be fairly similar to one another. <\/p>\n

The majority of stalking cases involve domestic violence or disputes between romantic or domestic partners (often after a divorce or break-up). The specific acts that are considered stalking depend on the context and whether it is a recurring pattern. For instance, repeatedly showing up at your ex-girlfriend’s workplace to intimidate her — even if it just involves driving by her office window slowly and then leaving — may be considered stalking.<\/p>\n

Penalties range from fines to prison sentences for particularly serious violations or repeat offenses. When someone makes a valid stalking (or domestic violence) complaint, the court may order protective order requiring the alleged stalker to avoid all contact for a specified period of time. See Stalking and Domestic Violence<\/a> and Domestic Violence Restraining Order FAQs<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n

Rhode Island Stalking Law at a Glance<\/h2>\n

Rhode Island’s stalking statute is fairly straightforward and relatively severe. Even first offenses may be charged as felonies, with a maximum five-year prison sentence and\/or a fine of up to $10,000 per offense.<\/p>\n

See the following chart for additional details about Rhode Island’s stalking laws. See FindLaw’s Domestic Violence<\/a> section for related articles and resources.<\/p>\n\n
Code Section<\/td>\n11-59-1 & 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Stalking Defined as<\/td>\nAny person who: (1) harasses another person; or (2) willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, is guilty of the crime of stalking<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Punishment\/Classification<\/td>\nFelony: maximum 5 yrs. in prison and\/or maximum $10,000 fine<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Penalty for Repeat Offense<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Arrest or Restraining Order Specifically Authorized by Statute?<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Constitutionally Protected Activities Exempted?<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws may change at any time through the decisions of higher courts, the enactment of new legislation, or through other means. You may want to contact a Rhode Island domestic violence attorney<\/a> or criminal defense attorney<\/a>, or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\n