(a)  Whoever, knowing it to be false, transmits or causes to be transmitted by radio, telephone, use of emergency flares or other means of communication, the alleged occurrence or impending occurrence of an emergency situation which threatens the life, or safety of a person and/or the loss of property, to any state, federal or local law enforcement or other public safety agency shall be guilty of transmitting a false distress or hoax call.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 46-22-9.6

  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.

(b)  Any person charged with the commission of the foregoing shall, upon conviction, be subject to imprisonment not to exceed one year and a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition to any other fines or penalties imposed under this section, the person or persons convicted shall pay restitution for any cost related to the emergency response to the false or hoax call.

History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 32, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 33, § 1.