R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-15-11: Penalty for false representation.

Whoever knowingly makes a false statement or representation to the public defender, assistants, or any employee of that office to obtain the legal services of the public defender or one of his or her assistants under this chapter, either for himself or herself or for any other person, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300), or by imprisonment not longer than thirty (30) days, or both. Each false statement or representation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.