Rhode Island § 11-8-2 - Burglary and Breaking and Entering
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-8-2 — Burglary and Breaking and Entering, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-8-2. Burglary and Breaking and Entering
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-8-2
§ 11-8-2. Unlawful breaking and entering of dwelling house.
(a) Every person who shall break and enter at any time of the day or night any dwelling house or apartment, whether the dwelling house or apartment is occupied or not, or any outbuilding or garage attached to or adjoining any dwelling house, without the consent of the owner or tenant of the dwelling house, apartment, building, or garage, shall be imprisoned for not less than two (2) years and not more than ten (10) years for the first conviction, and for the second and subsequent conviction shall be imprisoned for not less than four (4) years and not more than fifteen (15) years, or fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.
(b) Every person convicted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be ordered to make restitution to the victim of the offense or to perform up to five hundred (500) hours of public community restitution work, or both, or any combination of them approved by the sentencing judge. The court may not waive the obligation to make restitution and/or public community restitution work. The restitution and/or public community restitution work shall be in addition to any fine or sentence which may be imposed and not in lieu of the fine or sentence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 397, § 9; P.L. 1928, ch. 1209, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 608, § 9; G.L. 1956,
§ 11-8-2; P.L. 1978, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 426, §
1; P.L. 1988, ch. 171, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-8-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-8-2 cover?
Section 11-8-2 ("Burglary and Breaking and Entering") 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 § 11-8-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-8-2" (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 § 11-8-2 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.