R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-19
Every person having in his or her possession any electric storage battery, the property of another, who neglects or refuses for a period of fourteen (14) days after demand for it shall have been made to deliver it to its owner, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than twenty dollars ($20.00), and shall be liable to the owner in an action of the case for the value of the electric storage battery at the time it was delivered to the person. Demand for the return of an electric storage battery shall be made in writing and shall be served upon the person upon whom demand is made by leaving it in his or her hands and possession or by sending it to him or her, postage fully prepaid, by registered or certified mail, to the address given by him or her at the time he or she received the battery.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-19