Specific state laws as they apply to the state of Rhode Island
Last Updated: January 2026 | Verified against current state statutes Quick Answer: How Long Is a Murder Sentence? Murder sentences in the United States vary dramatically by state and the degree of murder charged. First-degree murder typically carries 25 years to life or the death penalty in 27 states. Second-degree murder ranges from 4 years … Read more
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Rhode Island? For a first violation, under section 31-26-1 (death/injury), leaving the scene of an accident in Rhode Island without fulfilling the requirements of section 31-26-3 is a felony punishable by a maximum of ten years in prison and a $5000 fine. If the collision … Read more
Rhode Island distinguishes between teenagers who share explicit images with peers and serious predators who exploit children. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 11-9-1.4, minors who engage in sexting are typically treated as status offenders within the Family Court system rather than criminal defendants. This approach aims to provide rehabilitation and education instead of a … Read more
A Summary of Rhode Island Whistleblower Laws Rhode Island is an employment-at-will state. This means employees can be discharged from work for any reason or no reason. However, the state has protections that are used to protect employees from wrongful retaliation. Rhode Island does not have a common law protection since the state does not … Read more
Everything you need to know about Rhode Island child support laws, updated for 2026. Last verified: February 2026 Rhode Island child support laws require divorced, separated, or unmarried parents to provide financial support for their children until they reach the age of majority. The state uses the Income Shares Model, which bases support on the … Read more
Last verified: February 2026 Key Points Primary Law: Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Warranty Act (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-5.2-1 to 31-5.2-14) Coverage: New and used automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and vans under 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight Presumption: 4 repair attempts for the same defect OR 30+ days out of service Term of Protection: 1 year … Read more
A Summary of Child Car Seat Laws in Rhode Island Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 years or those weighing less than 30 pounds should be restrained in a rear-facing seat. The law requires all children 2 years old or older who have exceeded the rear-facing seat’s weight and height limits to ride … Read more
Statute of Limitations RI- Summary Rhode Island’s statute of limitations establishes a deadline before which civil cases – such as lawsuits – must be filed in the state. In relation to criminal charges, it also prevents prosecutors from charging an individual with a crime after a specified period of time has passed. The statutes of … Read more
Rhode Island Recording Law Summary: Last Updated: January 2025 | Verified against current R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21 Quick Answer Rhode Island is a one-party consent state. You can legally record phone calls and in-person conversations as long as you’re a party to the conversation or have consent from at least one participant. Recording cannot … Read more