---
title: "Is cyber harassment a felony in Rhode Island?"
description: "Cyber harassment is typically charged as a misdemeanor on a first offense in Rhode Island, but the exposure can rise quickly. A first conviction can carry up to one year in jail, probation, fines,..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-cyber-harassment-a-felony-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-22
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Is cyber harassment a felony in Rhode Island?

Cyber harassment is typically charged as a misdemeanor on a first offense in Rhode Island, but the exposure can rise quickly. A first conviction can carry up to one year in jail, probation, fines, mandatory counseling, and a no-contact order. Repeat conduct, harassment that violates a restraining order, or harassment tied to domestic violence can elevate the charge or trigger additional counts. Prosecutors often pair cyber harassment with stalking, domestic assault, or violation of a no-contact order, and the collateral effects on employment, custody, and immigration are serious even on a misdemeanor. First Amendment defenses are real in these cases, because the statute cannot criminalize protected speech, only true harassment. A Rhode Island computer crimes lawyer at Bank & Munns will pressure-test every message in the complaint against that constitutional line.