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 Nevada, rioting is addressed under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 203.070, which defines 'unlawful assembly' as a gathering of two or more persons for the purpose of committing an unlawful act, or a lawful act in a violent, boisterous, or tumultuous manner. The statute also covers the crime of 'breach of peace' under NRS 203.010, which can include riotous behavior. Participating in a riot or unlawful assembly is a misdemeanor in Nevada. Additionally, Nevada law under NRS 203.030 specifically addresses 'affray,' which is a fight by two or more persons in a public place to the terror of the public, and is also considered a misdemeanor. Inciting a riot is a separate offense under NRS 203.150, and it is illegal to provoke or urge others to engage in a riot. This can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. The state also has laws regarding 'disorderly conduct' and 'obstructing a public officer' which can be related to riotous behavior. It is important for individuals in Nevada to understand these laws and to be aware that engaging in or inciting a riot can lead to criminal charges.