§ 45-16-12. Penalty for serving process after disqualification — Exemption from liability for refusal to serve.
(a) Any town sergeant or town constable who, being disqualified and debarred from serving or executing any writ or process returnable to any court of the state under the provisions of chapter 5 of title 9, shall serve or execute, or pretend or attempt to serve or execute, any writ or process while disqualified and debarred, shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year or fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500).
(b) Any town sergeant or town constable, while disqualified and debarred, shall not be bound or obliged to serve or execute any writ or process returnable to any court, although the writ or process is directed or given to him or her, and shall be exempt and free from all liability for his or her refusal or neglect to serve or execute any writ or process.
History of Section.G.L. 1909, ch. 323, § 9; P.L. 1916, ch. 1349, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 374, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 336, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-12; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables
Section 45-16-1. - Refusal to serve as sergeant — Maximum service required.
Section 45-16-2. - Bond of sergeants.
Section 45-16-3. - Action on bond of sergeants.
Section 45-16-4. - Service of process in county.
Section 45-16-4.1. - License and bond of town constables.
Section 45-16-4.2. - Action on bond of constables.
Section 45-16-4.3. - Service of process by constables.
Section 45-16-4.4. - [Repealed.]
Section 45-16-4.5. - Immunity.
Section 45-16-5. - Liability for neglect in serving process.
Section 45-16-6. - Aid and assistance in execution of office.
Section 45-16-7. - Police officers.
Section 45-16-8. - Election of special town constables.
Section 45-16-9. - Attendance of special town constables at schools or meetings.
Section 45-16-10. - Employment of special town constables by steamboat companies and railroads.
Section 45-16-11. - Disqualification of sergeant or town constable from serving process.