Rioting or participating in a riot generally means the assembly of multiple persons resulting in conduct that (1) creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons; (2) substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions or services; (3) is tumultuous or violent and likely to cause public alarm; or (4) deprives any person of a legal right or disturbs any person in the enjoyment of a legal right by using force or the threat of force.

Rioting laws vary from state to state and some states have related offenses such as inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, failing to disperse, and disturbing the peace. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alabama, rioting and related offenses are addressed under the Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code. Specifically, Section 13A-11-3 defines a 'riot' as a gathering of five or more persons conducting themselves in a violent and tumultuous manner, likely to cause public alarm. Participating in a riot is a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, Alabama law includes offenses such as inciting to riot (Section 13A-11-4), which is a Class A misdemeanor, and unlawful assembly (Section 13A-11-5), which is a Class B misdemeanor. Failing to disperse when commanded by a law enforcement officer during a riot or unlawful assembly is also a Class B misdemeanor under Section 13A-11-6. These laws are designed to prevent and penalize behavior that threatens public safety, property, and the peaceful enjoyment of rights by individuals. An attorney can provide more detailed information on how these statutes may apply in specific circumstances.