Rhode Island § 30-13-125 - Rhode Island Code of Military Justice

§ 30-13-125. Redress of injuries to property.

(a) Whenever complaint is made to any commanding officer that willful damage has been done to the property of any person or that person’s property has been wrongfully taken by members of the state military forces, that officer may, subject to such regulations as the governor may prescribe, convene a board to investigate the complaint. The board shall consist of from one (1) to three (3) commissioned officers and, for the purpose of that investigation, it has power to summon witnesses and examine them upon oath or affirmation; to receive depositions or other documentary evidence; and to assess the damages sustained against the responsible parties. The assessment of damage made by the board is subject to the approval of the commanding officer, and in the amount so approved by the commanding officer, shall be charged against the pay of the offenders. The order of the commanding officer directing charges herein authorized is conclusive, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, on any disbursing officer for the payment by that officer to the injured parties of the damages so assessed and approved.

(b) If the offenders cannot be ascertained, but the organization or detachment to which they belong is known, charges totaling the amount of damages assessed and approved may be paid to the injured parties from the military funds of the units of the state military forces to which the offenders belonged.

(c) Any person subject to this code who is accused of causing willful damage to property has the right to be represented by counsel, to summon witnesses in his or her behalf, and to cross-examine those appearing against him or her. He or she has the right of appeal to the next higher commander.