Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 11-2 - Abandonment and Nonsupport
Section 11-2-1. - Abandonment or nonsupport of spouse or children.

§ 11-2-1. Abandonment or nonsupport of spouse or children.
Every person who shall abandon his or her spouse or children, leaving them in danger of becoming a public charge, or who shall neglect to provide according to his or her means for the support of his or her spouse or children, or who shall neglect or refuse to aid in the support of his or her spouse and/or children, except as otherwise provided for in § 11-2-1.1, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months.
[See § 12-1-15 of the General Laws.]
History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 281, § 38; P.L. 1907, ch. 1447, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 347, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 399, § 38; G.L. 1938, ch. 610, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 11-2-1; P.L. 1979, ch. 304, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 374, § 1.