Rhode Island § 12-3-5 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-3-5 — Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-3-5. Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-3-5
§ 12-3-5. Offenses in vicinity of county or division boundary — Offenses at sea — Offenses aboard steamboat or train.
A criminal offense committed on or within one hundred (100) rods of the boundary line of two (2) counties may be alleged to have been committed and may be prosecuted and proceeded against in either county unless otherwise ordered by the presiding justice, and if committed on or within fifty (50) rods of the boundary line of two (2) divisions of the district court, it may be alleged to have been committed and may be proceeded against and prosecuted in either division unless otherwise ordered by the chief judge pursuant to § 12-3-4(c). A criminal offense committed upon the sea within one league of the shore may be prosecuted and punished in any county. A criminal offense committed upon a steamboat or a railroad car may be alleged to have been so committed without specifying the division of the district court or county in which it was committed, and may be prosecuted and proceeded against in any county or in any division.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 34; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 34; G.L.
1938, ch. 625, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-5; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14; P.L. 1981, ch.
104, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-3-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-3-5 cover?
Section 12-3-5 ("Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses") 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 § 12-3-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-3-5" (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 § 12-3-5 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.