§ 15-10-1 - Penalty for unreasonable neglect of destitute parents. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 15-10-1

   § 15-10-1  Penalty for unreasonable neglectof destitute parents. – (a) Any person, above the age of eighteen (18) years, who unreasonably neglectsor refuses to provide for the support and maintenance of his or her parent,whether father or mother, residing in this state, when his or her parentthrough misfortune, and without fault of his or her own, is destitute of meansof sustenance and unable by reason of old age, infirmity, or illness to supportand maintain himself or herself, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding twohundred dollars ($200), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or byboth a fine and imprisonment.

   (b) No neglect or refusal shall be deemed unreasonable as toa child who, during his or her minority, was not reasonably supported by theparent, if the parent was charged with the duty to do so, nor as to any childwho, being one of two (2) or more children, has made proper and reasonablecontribution toward the support of his or her destitute parent.