Rhode Island Penal Code Made Simple

by Kimani Upshur, M.Ed.

The law affects everyone, but most people do not understand it — not because it is impossible, but because no one has explained it clearly. Until now. Rhode Island Penal Code Made Simple is a plain-English guide to Rhode Island’s criminal code — Title 11 of the Rhode Island General Laws, Criminal Offenses — your rights, and how the system works. In this guide, Kimani Upshur, M.Ed. walks you through Rhode Island’s criminal justice system step by step: what Title 11 actually is, how crimes are classified as felonies, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and violations, and how a criminal case moves from arrest through trial and sentencing. The most common categories of offenses are explained with real statute numbers, along with the key legal concepts behind every case, what happens after a conviction, and the rights the law gives you. Each chapter ends with ‘Know the Law’ takeaways and ‘Protect Yourself’ action steps — practical knowledge you can use to understand charges, ask better questions, and protect yourself and the people you care about, built on three words: Learn. Comply. Protect. This is general information, not legal advice, and the book says so plainly. Written from a Christian worldview — Scripture first.