Rhode Island Criminal Court Records

Rhode Island criminal court record search

The Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal is the official route for public case information. Remote public users, self-represented litigants and parties receive only the docket remotely. Courthouse public documents are a separate access route. Courthouse public electronic documents are available during business hours, excluding sealed and confidential information. Restricted records require the custodian's permitted-access route. The docket can show chronological case activity such as parties, events and filings. Use available identifiers such as name and case number when locating a matter.

Which Rhode Island court handles the case

Superior Court has original jurisdiction over felony criminal matters. District Court handles misdemeanors with authorized penalties up to one year and conducts initial arraignment and bail proceedings for most felony cases. Keep the court name and case number when requesting records or following a case.

Portal information versus official records

Portal information is not a substitute for an official record, court schedule or identity/background-check proof. For judgments or certified dispositions, identify the person, charge, case and requested output through the custodial clerk. Incorrect information inquiries should go to the filing clerk.

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  Use the Portal for docket access, not as proof of identity or a certified background product.
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  Use court custodians and the Judicial Records Center when an official document or certified copy is needed.

Judicial Records Center retrieval and copies

Judicial Records Center files are numbered and the original court supplies the case number. An existing BCI report can help trace a judgment. Call ahead for file location; off-site retrieval requires 24-hour notice. Criminal mail requests require either a BCI report or defendant name, date of birth, arrest date/town and charge, telephone contact and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests go to Rhode Island Supreme Court, Judicial Records Center, 5 Hill Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860-3913. Criminal mail requests are $3 per offense by business check, certified check, or money order payable to State of Rhode Island. JRC self-service copies are $0.20 per page and staff certified copies are $3 per document. These JRC fees do not apply to every clerk. Onsite access requires photo ID; appointments are not required. Retrieved off-site files are held three days and immediate archive availability is not guaranteed.

Rhode Island court records and state history checks

The Rhode Island Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Identification is a separate criminal-history check source from court case information. A court docket and a state history product answer different questions.