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 lifelong criminal record. However, adults who involve minors in sexting face severe felony charges under separate statutes.
Key Points
- Teen Sexting Law: Yes (§ 11-9-1.4)
- Legal Status: Status Offense (Civil/Family Court)
- Age of Majority: 18 years old
- Minor-to-Minor: Non-criminal status offense
- Adult-to-Minor: Felony (§ 11-9-1.5)
- Revenge Porn Law: Yes (§ 11-64-3)
- Sex Offender Registration: Not required for status offenses
Penalties at a Glance
- Teen Sexting (Minor): Family Court intervention, counseling
- Revenge Porn (1st Offense): Up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine
- Revenge Porn (2nd+ Offense): Up to 3 years prison, $3,000 fine
- Adult Sending to Minor: Up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine
- Child Pornography: Up to 15 years prison, $5,000 fine
Table of Contents
- Rhode Island Teen Sexting Law (§ 11-9-1.4)
- Penalties for Teen Sexting
- Child Pornography Laws (§ 11-9-1.3)
- Adults Sexting With Minors
- Revenge Porn Laws (§ 11-64-3)
- Sextortion and Cyberbullying
- Sex Offender Registration
- Long-Term Consequences
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Do If Charged
- Resources
Rhode Island Teen Sexting Law (§ 11-9-1.4)
Rhode Island enacted specific legislation to handle teen sexting cases outside the criminal justice system. Under General Laws § 11-9-1.4, titled “Minor electronically disseminating indecent material to another person,” the law recognizes that minors often lack the maturity to understand the long-term consequences of sharing intimate images.
This statute applies when a person under 18 years of age knowingly produces, possesses, or distributes an “indecent visual depiction” of themselves or another minor. The law specifically defines “indecent visual depiction” to include any digital image or video showing:
- Sexually explicit conduct (including masturbation)
- Graphic focus on the nude genitals or pubic area
- Lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area
Crucially, this law treats the behavior as a “status offense.” A status offense is an act that is only prohibited because of the offender’s age (like truancy or underage drinking). This means the minor is not charged with a crime but is instead referred to the Family Court for supervision and services.
Penalties for Teen Sexting
Because teen sexting under § 11-9-1.4 is a status offense, there are no criminal jail terms or fines in the traditional sense. Instead, the focus is on rehabilitation and education. The Family Court has broad discretion to order:
- Counseling and Therapy: To address underlying issues and decision-making.
- Community Service: To encourage civic responsibility.
- Educational Programs: Courses on digital safety and legal consequences.
- Diversion Programs: Allowing the minor to avoid formal adjudication by completing specific requirements.
- Probation: Supervision by a court officer.
The goal is to correct the behavior without attaching the stigma of a criminal conviction or sex offender status to a young person’s future.
Child Pornography Laws (§ 11-9-1.3)
While the teen sexting statute provides a safe harbor for minors, Rhode Island has strict laws against child pornography that apply to adults and more serious offenses. Under General Laws § 11-9-1.3, it is a felony to knowingly:
- Produce, direct, or promote any child pornography
- Knowingly reproduce child pornography (including via computer)
- Knowingly possess or control any material containing child pornography
The penalties for violating this statute are severe:
- Imprisonment: Up to 15 years
- Fine: Up to $5,000
- Sex Offender Registration: Mandatory registration upon conviction
Prosecutors may still charge a minor under this serious statute in extreme cases, such as those involving coercion, commercial distribution, or predators posing as minors.
Adults Sexting With Minors
Adults who engage in sexting with minors do not benefit from the leniency of the teen sexting statute. Rhode Island law strictly prohibits adults from sending explicit material to children.
Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors (§ 11-9-1.5)
Under General Laws § 11-9-1.5, it is a felony for any person (adult or minor not covered by the teen sexting exception) to knowingly send an indecent visual depiction to a minor. This law targets adults who groom or harass children online.
Penalties:
- Imprisonment: Up to 5 years
- Fine: Up to $5,000
It is important to note that a minor cannot be charged under this section if their conduct falls within the definition of teen sexting under § 11-9-1.4.
Revenge Porn Laws (§ 11-64-3)
Rhode Island addresses the non-consensual sharing of private intimate images, often called “revenge porn,” under General Laws § 11-64-3 (“Unauthorized dissemination of indecent material”).
A person commits this offense if they:
- Intentionally disseminate a visual image of another person who is 18 years of age or older
- The image depicts the person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or exposes intimate areas
- The image was obtained under circumstances where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy
- The person in the image did not consent to the dissemination
Penalties for Revenge Porn
The penalties escalate for repeat offenders:
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine |
| Second/Subsequent Offense | Felony | Up to 3 years prison, $3,000 fine |
This law protects adults whose private images are shared by ex-partners or hackers without permission.
Sextortion and Cyberbullying
Sexting incidents can sometimes involve “sextortion,” where someone threatens to release private images unless the victim provides money or more images. This behavior is a serious crime. In Rhode Island, extortion is a felony under § 11-42-2, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Additionally, Rhode Island’s Cyberharassment law (§ 11-52-4.2) prohibits using electronic communication to harass or threaten anyone. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
Sex Offender Registration
A major benefit of the teen sexting law (§ 11-9-1.4) is that it prevents minors from being labeled as sex offenders. Adjudication for a status offense in Family Court does not require registration on the Rhode Island Sex Offender Registry.
However, convictions for other offenses, such as Child Pornography (§ 11-9-1.3) or Sexual Assault, typically do require registration. This registry is public and can severely impact housing, employment, and educational opportunities for life.
Long-Term Consequences
Even without a criminal record, sexting can have lasting impacts:
- Digital Footprint: Images shared online are nearly impossible to completely remove. They can resurface years later during college applications or job background checks.
- School Discipline: Schools may suspend or expel students for sexting that disrupts the educational environment, even if it happens off-campus.
- Social Stigma: Victims often face bullying, rumors, and humiliation that can lead to severe emotional distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sexting a felony in Rhode Island?
For adults sending explicit images to minors, yes, it is a felony. For minors sexting other minors, it is typically treated as a non-criminal status offense in Family Court. However, serious cases involving coercion or distribution can still be charged as child pornography felonies.
What if the minor consented to the photo?
Legally, a minor cannot consent to the creation or distribution of child pornography. Even if a teen willingly took and sent the photo, possessing or sharing it is still illegal. The teen sexting law (§ 11-9-1.4) acknowledges this reality by focusing on rehabilitation rather than criminal punishment.
Can parents be held responsible?
Parents are generally not criminally liable for their child’s sexting unless they facilitated it. However, parents could face civil liability if their child’s actions cause harm to another, or if they were negligent in supervising their child’s internet usage.
Does the revenge porn law apply to photos taken when we were dating?
Yes. The law (§ 11-64-3) specifically covers images obtained under circumstances where there was a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” Photos shared privately during a relationship fall under this protection. Sharing them publicly after a breakup without consent is a crime.
What should I do if my child receives a sext?
Do not forward the image to anyone, not even to police or school officials initially, as forwarding it constitutes distribution. Instead, confiscate the device to preserve the evidence and contact an attorney or the police immediately. Let law enforcement handle the extraction of evidence.
Is there a “Romeo and Juliet” exception?
Rhode Island’s teen sexting statute (§ 11-9-1.4) effectively functions as a Romeo and Juliet exception by moving these cases to Family Court as status offenses rather than prosecuting them as child pornography felonies. This applies regardless of the specific age gap, as long as both parties are minors.
What to Do If Charged
If you or your child faces allegations related to sexting:
Do:
- Remain Silent: Do not discuss the incident with police, school officials, or friends until you have a lawyer.
- Hire an Attorney: Find a lawyer experienced in Rhode Island juvenile law and sex crimes defense.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not delete anything from the phone until advised by your lawyer, as deletion can be charged as destruction of evidence.
Do Not:
- Share the Image: Never forward the image to “show proof” to anyone.
- Contact the Victim: Do not try to explain or apologize, as this can be used against you.
- Post Online: Keep the matter off social media entirely.
Resources
Legal & Support Services
- Rhode Island Family Court
- Rhode Island Public Defender
- Day One (Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center of RI)
Educational Materials
This article provides general legal information about Rhode Island sexting laws as of February 2026. Laws change frequently, and this information should not be considered legal advice. If you are facing charges or need legal guidance, consult with a qualified Rhode Island criminal defense attorney.
Last updated: February 2026