Stalking in Rhode Island is the willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassing of another person under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-2. The conduct must place the victim in reasonable fear of bodily injury. First-offense stalking is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Aggravated stalking (with prior conviction, in violation of protective order, or involving threats with weapons) is a felony with up to 5 years prison. Cyberstalking through electronic means is covered under separate statutes. Stalking charges frequently arise after a relationship ends and one party will not accept the separation, often combined with domestic assault or no-contact order violations.
