Rhode Island § 30-13-85 - Rhode Island Code of Military Justice
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 30-13-85 — Rhode Island Code of Military Justice, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30-13-85. Rhode Island Code of Military Justice
R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-13-85
§ 30-13-85. Desertion.
(a) Any member of the state military forces who:
(1) Without authority goes or remains absent from his or her unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to remain away therefrom permanently;
(2) Quits his or her unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to avoid hazardous duty or to shirk important service; or
(3) Without being regularly separated from one of the state military forces enlists or accepts an appointment in the same or another one of the state military forces, or in one of the armed forces of the United States, without fully disclosing the fact that he or she has not been regularly separated;
is guilty of desertion.
(b) Any commissioned officer of the state military forces who, after tender of his or her resignation and before notice of its acceptance, quits his or her post or proper duties without leave and with intent to remain away therefrom permanently is guilty of desertion.
(c) Any person found guilty of desertion or attempt to desert shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 30-13-85; P.L. 1962, ch. 82, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 30-13-85
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 30-13-85 cover?
Section 30-13-85 ("Rhode Island Code of Military Justice") 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 § 30-13-85?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 30-13-85" (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 § 30-13-85 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.