Disorderly Conduct
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-45-1 — fighting, unreasonable noise, provoking words, blocking a way, and up to six months
- Fighting or threatening, or violent or tumultuous behavior.
- Loud and unreasonable noise in a public place, or near a home one has no right to occupy, that would disturb a person of average sensibilities.
- Offensive words directed at someone in public that are likely to provoke a violent reaction from the average person.
- Obstructing a highway, street, sidewalk, building entrance or other public passage.
- Physically obstructing a lawful meeting, procession or gathering.
- Looking for a lascivious purpose into a place where someone expects privacy.
Any of them, done intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, is disorderly conduct. It is punished by imprisonment for not more than six months, or a fine of not more than $500, or both.
Speech is protected unless it falls within one of those descriptions. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-45-1 — Disorderly conduct
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.