Rhode Island Domestic Trespassing Charges

Being charged with domestic trespassing in Rhode Island can put you in serious jeopardy of a permanent criminal record and possible incarceration. Any crime involving domestic violence, including domestic trespassing, carries with it mandatory domestic violence counseling. Moreover, if this is a second offense domestic violence charge then you are facing a mandatory jail sentence if convicted. As with any domestic violence conviction, it can impact future employment, the ability to obtain credit, and can cause a social stigma in the community. Rhode Island’s domestic trespassing law prohibits entering or remaining upon the land of another after having been forbidden to do so. The “domestic relationship” part of the law is typically read extremely broadly and can sometimes include distant family members and in-laws.

Domestic trespassing is a frequently charged offense that usually accompanies other domestic violence allegations including domestic assault and battery, domestic disorderly conduct, and domestic refusal to relinquish a telephone. If convicted, the charge of domestic trespassing carries up to one year in jail. These charges carry serious consequences and a significant stigma, a skilled and aggressive legal advocate can help you in successfully navigating your case to the best possible outcome.

Contact a Rhode Island Domestic Trespassing Lawyer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 401-228-8271.

Rhode Island Domestic Trespassing Law

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-44-26

§ 11-44-26. Willful trespass — Remaining on land after warning — Exemption for tenants holding over.

(a) Every person who willfully trespasses or, having no legitimate purpose for his or her presence, remains upon the land of another or upon the premises or curtilage of the domicile of any person legally entitled to the possession of that domicile, after having been forbidden to do so by the owner of the land or the owner’s duly authorized agent or a person legally entitled to the possession of the premises, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.

(b) This section shall not apply to tenants or occupants of residential premises who, having rightfully entered the premises at the commencement of the tenancy or occupancy, remain after that tenancy or occupancy has been or is alleged to have been terminated. The owner or landlord of the premises may recover possession only through appropriate civil proceedings.

(c) Where the provisions of The Domestic Violence Prevention Act, chapter 29 of title 12, are applicable, the penalties for violation of this section shall also include the penalties as provided in § 12-29-5.

Contact An Experienced Rhode Island Domestic Trespassing Attorney Today 

Attorneys Marin, Barrett, and Murphy – Phone 401-228-8271

Rhode Island Domestic Trespassing Charges - Areas We Serve

- Providence District Court - Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket, Warren
- Kent County District Court - Coventry, Cranston, East Greenwich, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Scituate, Smithfield, Warwick, West Warwick
- Washington County District Court - Block Island (New Shoreham), Hopkinton, Narragansett, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly
- Newport District Court - Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton

Contact An Experienced Rhode Island Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today 

Attorney’s Marin, Barrett, and Murphy – Phone 401-228-8271