Kidnapping in Rhode Island typically requires the unlawful seizing or transporting of another person, often with intent to hold for ransom, commit another crime, or interfere with government functions. False imprisonment is the restraint of another person's freedom of movement without lawful justification but without the seizing or transporting element. Kidnapping is a more serious felony with up to life imprisonment for aggravated cases. False imprisonment is generally a less severe felony with shorter prison exposure. Defense work in these cases sometimes focuses on contesting whether the conduct rises to kidnapping or stays at the false imprisonment level.
