Rhode Island § 11-5-2 - Assaults
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-5-2 — Assaults, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-5-2. Assaults
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-2
§ 11-5-2. Felony assault.
(a) Every person who shall make an assault or battery, or both, upon the person of another, with a dangerous weapon, or with acid or other dangerous substance, or by fire, or an assault or battery that results in serious bodily injury shall be guilty of a felony assault. If such assault results in serious bodily injury, it shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than twenty (20) years. Every other felony assault which results in bodily injury or no injury shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six (6) years.
(b) 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.
(c) “Serious bodily injury” means physical injury that:
(1) Creates a substantial risk of death;
(2) Causes protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part, member, or organ;
(3) Causes serious permanent disfigurement or circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of a person; or
(4) Results in the termination of a pregnancy where the person making the assault or battery is someone other than the pregnant person and knows or has reason to know that the person upon whom the assault or battery is made is pregnant.
(d) This section shall not apply to acts committed by:
(1) Any person relating to the performance of an abortion pursuant to chapter 4.13 of title 23, the Reproductive Privacy Act, for which the consent of the pregnant person, or a person authorized by law on her behalf, has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law; or
(2) Any person for any medical treatment of the pregnant person or the fetus.
(e) “Bodily injury” means physical injury that causes physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 277, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 19; P.L. 1915, ch. 1258, § 6; G.L.
1923, ch. 395, § 19; P.L. 1925, ch. 657, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 19; G.L. 1956,
§ 11-5-2; P.L. 1981, ch. 76, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 539, § 8; P.L. 1990, ch. 241, § 1;
P.L. 1991, ch. 324, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 81, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2017,
ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 3.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-5-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-5-2 cover?
Section 11-5-2 ("Assaults") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 11-5-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-5-2" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 11-5-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.