§ 12-5.1-13 - Civil remedy. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 12-5.1-13

   § 12-5.1-13  Civil remedy. – (a) Any person whose wire, electronic, or oral communication is intercepted,disclosed, or used in violation of this chapter shall have a civil cause ofaction against any person who intercepts, discloses, or uses thecommunications, and shall be entitled to recover from that person:

   (1) Actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages,computed at the rate of one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each day ofviolation, or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is higher;

   (2) Punitive damages; and

   (3) Reasonable attorneys' fees and other litigationdisbursements reasonably incurred.

   (b) Good faith reliance on a court order issued under thischapter shall constitute a complete defense to any civil or criminal actionbrought under this section or any other law. Any communications common carrierand its employees shall be deemed to have acted in good faith upon receipt of acertified copy of the court order issued under this chapter and therepresentations of the attorney general or an assistant attorney generalspecially designated by the attorney general.