reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.5 - DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent Offenders › Section 12-1.5-16. - Confidentiality of records.

§ 12-1.5-16. Confidentiality of records.
All DNA profiles and samples submitted to the department of health pursuant to this chapter shall be treated as confidential and exempt from the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38 except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 33, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 120, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.5 - DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent Offenders › Section 12-1.5-17. - Bailed and convicted persons — Refusal to give DNA sample.

§ 12-1.5-17. Bailed and convicted persons — Refusal to give DNA sample.
Any person who is required to have a DNA sample taken after having been arrested and charged with any crime of violence as defined in § 12-1.5-2 or convicted of any felony, who refuses to do so, and who knowingly, violently resists the taking of a DNA sample duly authorized by medical personnel, shall be in violation of the terms of his or her release, regardless of whether or not the term was a special condition of his or her bail, release on probation, parole, or home confinement, or other form of supervised release.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 33, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 192, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.5 - DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent Offenders › Section 12-1.5-18. - Interpretation and severability.

§ 12-1.5-18. Interpretation and severability.
The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed and shall be held to be in addition to, and not in substitution for or a limitation of, the provisions of any other law. If any provision or part of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstances is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of the provisions to any other persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid shall not be affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 33, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 120, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.5 - DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent Offenders › Section 12-1.5-19. - DNA offender audit.

§ 12-1.5-19. DNA offender audit.
(a)
The crime laboratory pursuant to chapter 1.2 of this title shall conduct an audit of offender DNA profiles included on the state DNA databank pursuant to this chapter in order to identify the number of DNA profiles that are missing from the databank which should have been collected pursuant to this chapter. The crime laboratory shall support this effort as necessary to comply with report deadlines.
(b)
The audit shall initiate with offender DNA samples that were required to be collected under this chapter, and shall include all samples required pursuant to § 12-1.5-7.
(c)
A preliminary report including the overall number of estimated owed DNA samples shall be reported to the general assembly promptly upon completion of the initial audit, due to the significant risk to public safety of any failed collections. The preliminary report shall be provided by January 1, 2024.
(d)
A final report to further include additional details on types of offenses for which DNA samples are owed, and an overview of where collection failures occurred shall be submitted no later than December 31, 2024. Thereafter, an annual audit shall be completed and reported to the general assembly no later than December 31 of each year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 354, § 1, effective June 26, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 355, § 1, effective June 26, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.6 - National Criminal Records Check System › Section 12-1.6-1. - Automated fingerprint identification system database.

§ 12-1.6-1. Automated fingerprint identification system database.
The department of attorney general may establish and maintain an automated fingerprint identification system database that would allow the department to store and maintain all fingerprints submitted in accordance with the national criminal records check system. The automated fingerprint identification system database would provide for an automatic notification if, and when, a subsequent criminal arrest fingerprint card is submitted to the system that matches a set of fingerprints previously submitted in accordance with a national criminal records check. If the aforementioned arrest results in a conviction, the department shall immediately notify those individuals and entities with which that individual is associated and who are required to be notified of disqualifying information concerning national criminal records checks as provided in chapters 17, 17.4, 17.7.1 of title 23 or § 23-1-52 and chapter 7.2 of title 42 or §§ 42-7.2-18.2 and 42-7.2-18.4. The information in the database established under this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under chapter 2 of title 38.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 12, § 1, effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.6 - National Criminal Records Check System › Section 12-1.6-2. - Long-term healthcare workers — High-risk Medicaid providers and personal care attendants.

§ 12-1.6-2. Long-term healthcare workers — High-risk Medicaid providers and personal care attendants.
The department of attorney general shall maintain an electronic web-based system to assist facilities, licensed under chapters 17, 17.4, 17.7.1 of title 23 or § 23-1-52, and the executive office of health and human services under §§ 42-7.2-18.1 and 42-7.2-18.3, required to check relevant registries and conduct national criminal records checks of routine contact patient employees, personal care attendants, and high-risk providers. The department of attorney general shall provide for an automated notice, as authorized in § 12-1.6-1, to those facilities or to the executive office of health and human services if a routine-contact patient employee, personal care attendant, or high-risk provider is subsequently convicted of a disqualifying offense, as described in the relevant licensing statute or in §§ 42-7.2-18.2 and 42-7.2-18.4. The department of attorney general may charge a facility a one-time, set-up fee of up to one hundred dollars ($100) for access to the electronic web-based system under this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 12, § 1, effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.6 - National Criminal Records Check System › Section 12-1.6-3. - Immunity from liability.

§ 12-1.6-3. Immunity from liability.
The department of attorney general; the department of health; or an employer who disqualifies an applicant from employment or continued employment; on the basis of a disqualification notice as described in § 12-1.6-2, or of a national criminal records check relating to disqualifying information, shall not be liable for civil damages or subject to any claim, demand, cause of action, or proceeding of any nature as a result of the disqualification.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-1.6 - National Criminal Records Check System › Section 12-1.6-4. - Rules and regulations.

§ 12-1.6-4. Rules and regulations.
The department of attorney general may promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-1. - Commissioning of special police — Revocation of commission.

§ 12-2-1. Commissioning of special police — Revocation of commission.
The governor may from time to time, upon the application of any common carrier of passengers, or of the director of transportation, commission for an indefinite term one or more persons designated by that common carrier or the director of transportation who, having been duly sworn, may act at its expense as police officers upon the premises used by it in its business and upon its cars, vessels, and bridges. The commission may be revoked by and at the pleasure of the appointing or any succeeding governor, by certifying the revocation to the secretary of state, who shall notify the common carrier or the director of transportation upon whose application the commission was issued.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1119; P.L. 1908, ch. 1555, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 1; P.L. 1951, ch. 2847, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-2. - Badges to be worn or carried by officers.

§ 12-2-2. Badges to be worn or carried by officers.
Every officer commissioned under this chapter shall, when on duty and in uniform, wear in plain sight a metallic badge inscribed with the words “railroad police” and the name or initials of the corporation for which he or she is appointed, or “steamboat police” according to his or her appointment. When not in uniform, the officer must carry a badge while on duty.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 4; G.L., ch. 107, § 2; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-2; P.L. 1987, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-3. - Power to preserve order.

§ 12-2-3. Power to preserve order.
(a)
Railroad police officers may:
(1)
Preserve order within and upon the premises and cars of the corporation upon whose petition they were appointed;
(2)
Arrest without a warrant intoxicated or disorderly persons frequenting the premises or cars and by their presence or conduct, or by profane or indecent language obstructing or annoying travelers using them; and
(3)
Take the persons to the nearest police station or other place of lawful detention.
(b)
In addition to these powers, railroad police officers shall possess and exercise any other powers to arrest without a warrant on the premises, cars, vehicles, or any property in the custody or control of the corporations or companies and upon streets, highways, and lands immediately abutting the property or premises, that are conferred on police officers of the cities and towns of the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 5; G.L., ch. 167, § 3; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-3; P.L. 1972, ch. 134, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-4. - Arrest and detention of disorderly persons and persons refusing to pay.

§ 12-2-4. Arrest and detention of disorderly persons and persons refusing to pay.
If a passenger upon a railroad train refuses to pay his or her fare, or is noisy or disorderly, a railroad police officer may arrest him or her without a warrant, and remove him or her to the baggage or other suitable car of the train and confine him or her there until the arrival of the train at some station where the passenger can be placed in the charge of an officer, who shall take him or her to some place of lawful detention.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 6; G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 4; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-5. - Powers of steamboat police.

§ 12-2-5. Powers of steamboat police.
Steamboat police officers shall have similar powers upon the vessels and boats of the carriers upon whose petition they were appointed, and upon the premises and at the wharves and landing places owned or used by the carrier, to those given by §§ 12-2-3 and 12-2-4 to railroad police officers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 7; G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 5; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-6. - Detention of persons arrested without warrant — Jurisdiction of offenses — Penalty.

§ 12-2-6. Detention of persons arrested without warrant — Jurisdiction of offenses — Penalty.
Any person arrested without a warrant under the provisions of §§ 12-2-3 — 12-2-5 may be detained until a complaint can be made against him or her, and he or she is taken upon a warrant issued upon the complaint; provided, that arrest and detention without a warrant shall not continue longer than the space of six (6) hours when the arrest is made between the hours of four o’clock (4:00) in the morning and eight o’clock (8:00) in the evening, and when made at any other hours the person arrested shall not be so detained after ten o’clock (10:00) in the morning of the following day. The district court for the division in which the person is detained shall have jurisdiction of the offenses specified in §§ 12-2-3 — 12-2-5, and any person found guilty of those offenses shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 8; G.L., ch. 107, § 6; as enacted by P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-6; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-7. - Payment of officers — Liability for misconduct.

§ 12-2-7. Payment of officers — Liability for misconduct.
Railroad and steamboat police officers shall be paid by the corporation or carrier upon whose petition they were appointed, and the corporation or carrier shall be liable to parties for any official misconduct of the officers to the same extent as for torts of agents and servants in their employment, but no town or city shall be responsible for the acts of the officers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 9; G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 7; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 128, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police › Section 12-2-8. - Bridge police included in chapter.

§ 12-2-8. Bridge police included in chapter.
Whenever in this chapter, there appear the words “railroad police,” “steamboat police,” and/or “railroad and/or steamboat police,”, they are deemed to include “bridge police”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2847, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-8; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.1 - Special Police for Private Institutions › Section 12-2.1-1. - Appointment of special police.

§ 12-2.1-1. Appointment of special police.
The superintendent of state police, upon the petition of a private college, university, junior college, or other private educational institution of higher learning located in this state, may from time to time appoint qualified employees of those institutions as special police officers. The petition shall contain the name, address, qualifications, and personal history of the person for whom appointment is requested. Any person so appointed must have satisfactorily completed the established course of training in the police training school as established in this state. Following appointment, the person shall hold office as a special police officer until: (1) his or her appointment is revoked by the superintendent of state police; (2) until the petitioning institution shall file written notice with the superintendent that the designation of the person as a special police officer should be revoked; or (3) until his or her employment with the petitioning institution is terminated. Upon appointment of a special police officer, the superintendent shall issue to the person a license to act as a special police officer and the license shall, in the courts of this state, be evidence of the validity of the appointment of the person named in it and of his or her authority to act as a special police officer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.1 - Special Police for Private Institutions › Section 12-2.1-2. - Powers of special police officers.

§ 12-2.1-2. Powers of special police officers.
Upon issuance of a license under § 12-2.1-1, the person so designated as a special police officer shall have the same immunities and may exercise, in and upon the lands and buildings of the institution by which he or she is employed, and upon streets and highways immediately adjacent to those lands, the same powers and authority of a police officer as are conferred by the laws of this state upon members of the division of state police, including the power to arrest persons for violation of state criminal statutes or for violation of city or town ordinances of the city or town in which the institution is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.1 - Special Police for Private Institutions › Section 12-2.1-3. - Record of appointments.

§ 12-2.1-3. Record of appointments.
A record of all appointments under this chapter shall be kept in the division of state police and shall be open to public inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.1 - Special Police for Private Institutions › Section 12-2.1-4. - Badges.

§ 12-2.1-4. Badges.
Any special police officer appointed under this chapter shall, when on duty and in uniform, wear in plain sight a metallic badge, inscribed with the words “college police,” “university police”, or “campus police” and the name or initials of the institution by which he or she is employed. When not in uniform, the officer must carry his or her badge on his or her person while on duty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.1 - Special Police for Private Institutions › Section 12-2.1-5. - Continuing powers of state and local police.

§ 12-2.1-5. Continuing powers of state and local police.
Appointment of special police officers under this chapter shall in no way limit the powers, authority, and responsibility of state police and police of the various cities and towns to enforce state law and municipal ordinances on property owned by the educational institutions employing the special police officers. The division of state police and city and town police shall assist the special police officers in matters relating to the detention and arraignment of prisoners for court. The special police officers shall submit reports concerning an arrest to the department processing the arrest, whether the division of state police or the police in the city or town in which the educational institution is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.1 - Special Police for Private Institutions › Section 12-2.1-6. - Reciprocity.

§ 12-2.1-6. Reciprocity.
Any individual who has been appointed as a police officer in a sister state or one of its municipalities and who has satisfactorily completed a required course of police officer training recognized and certified by the sister state may apply, in writing, to the superintendent of state police for a certificate to the effect that the applicant has completed a course of training equivalent to that required under § 12-2.1-1. The application may be granted in whole or in part or denied. If granted in part, the exact extent of both any waiver of training and the training yet to be satisfactorily completed shall be set forth in full. The certification shall be granted only if the superintendent determines that the course of training previously taken, together with the satisfactory completion of any training not waived, is in compliance with and equivalent to the training required by § 12-2.1-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 142, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-1. - Appointment of capitol police.

§ 12-2.2-1. Appointment of capitol police.
The director of public safety may appoint qualified persons to act as “capitol police officers,” who shall be members of the state classified service. Upon appointment of an officer, the director shall issue to the person a license to act as a capitol police officer and the license shall, in the courts of this state, be evidence of the validity of the appointment of the person named and of his or her authority to act as a capitol police officer at any of the buildings or grounds within the jurisdiction of the division of public buildings as assigned by the chief of public buildings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 9, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-2. - Powers of capitol police officers.

§ 12-2.2-2. Powers of capitol police officers.
Upon issuance of a license under § 12-2.2-1, the person so designated as a capitol police officer shall have the same immunities and may exercise, in and upon the lands and buildings owned or leased by the state of Rhode Island and assigned to the Rhode Island public buildings authority, or to any municipal or private facility in which a state agency or a state court is convening a public meeting or public hearing, and upon streets and highways immediately adjacent to those lands, the same powers and authority of a police officer, as are conferred by the laws of this state upon members of the division of state police, including the power to arrest persons for violation of state criminal statutes or for violation of city or town ordinances of the city or town in which the state property is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 57, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-3. - Badges.

§ 12-2.2-3. Badges.
Any capitol police officer appointed under this chapter shall, when on duty and in uniform, wear in plain sight a metallic badge, inscribed with the words “capitol police of the state of Rhode Island.” When not in uniform, the officer must carry his or her badge on his or her person while on duty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 252, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-4. - Continuing powers of state and local police.

§ 12-2.2-4. Continuing powers of state and local police.
Appointment of capitol police officers pursuant to this chapter shall in no way limit the powers, authority, and responsibility of state police and police of the various cities and towns to enforce state law and municipal ordinances on property owned or leased by the state of Rhode Island. The division of state police and city and town police shall assist capitol police officers in matters relating to the detention and arraignment of prisoners for court. Capitol police officers shall submit reports concerning an arrest to the department of public safety and the division processing the arrest, whether the division of state police or the police in the city or town the state owned property is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 9, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-5. - Classes in law enforcement.

§ 12-2.2-5. Classes in law enforcement.
All capitol police shall be required to attend and successfully complete any law enforcement courses that the director of public safety shall require. These law enforcement courses will be conducted by either the state police or the municipal police training school for the benefit of the capitol police.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 9, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-6. - Temporary assignment of capitol police officers.

§ 12-2.2-6. Temporary assignment of capitol police officers.
(a)
Upon the convening of the general assembly in each year, four (4) members of the capitol police will be assigned to these branches of government for security purposes. Two (2) capitol police officers will be chosen by the speaker of the house of representatives and two (2) capitol police officers will be chosen by the president of the senate to serve in these capacities. Duties assigned, clothing to be worn, and hours to be worked will be designated by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate. These four (4) capitol police officers will be considered “on assignment” whenever officially assigned to any place used by the general assembly to conduct its business, or any place used by the committee or members of the general assembly to conduct business.
(b)
Following the adjournment of the general assembly, or at any other time designated by the speaker of the house of representatives or the president of the senate, these four (4) capitol police officers will return to their previously assigned duties as members of the capitol police.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 315, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-2.2 - Capitol Police for Public Buildings › Section 12-2.2-7. - Powers of capitol police officers assigned to the general assembly.

§ 12-2.2-7. Powers of capitol police officers assigned to the general assembly.
(a)
Capitol police officers who are assigned to the general assembly and its members for security purposes shall have the same immunities and may exercise, in any place used by the general assembly to conduct its business, or any place used by any committee or members of the general assembly to conduct business, the same powers and authority of a police officer as are conferred by the laws of this state upon the members of the department of the state police, including the power to arrest persons for violation of ordinances of the city or town.
(b)
In conforming with the provisions of § 11-47-9 regarding the possession of firearms, the officers assigned to the general assembly will be considered “on assignment” when on designated duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 315, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-1. - Offenses triable by district court.

§ 12-3-1. Offenses triable by district court.
The district court shall have jurisdiction and cognizance of all crimes which are not expressly designated as felonies, offenses, misdemeanors, and violations, including offenses against town or city ordinances, if no special court exists or is created by charter or law for that purpose, punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, and of all other criminal matters which are or shall be declared specially to be within the jurisdiction of the court by the laws of the state, which shall legally be brought before the court, with power to try, render judgment, pass sentence, and award a warrant for execution of the sentence.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 150; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14; P.L. 1976, ch. 173, § 3; P.L. 1985, ch. 462, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-2. - Power of district court over preliminary proceedings — Venue of offenses on public waters.

§ 12-3-2. Power of district court over preliminary proceedings — Venue of offenses on public waters.
The district court for the division in which the court is situated shall have cognizance over all other crimes, offenses, and misdemeanors against the laws of the state other than those mentioned in § 12-3-1, which shall be done or committed within the division and legally brought before the court, and may cause all persons guilty or suspected to be guilty to be apprehended, examined, bailed, or committed to jail, according to law, to answer for the offense before the superior court, and the jurisdiction over crimes, offenses and misdemeanors committed on the public waters of the state, and within the jurisdiction or cognizance of the district court, may be exercised by the district court for any division adjoining the waters.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 151; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-3. - Jurisdiction of New Shoreham wardens’ court.

§ 12-3-3. Jurisdiction of New Shoreham wardens’ court.
The wardens’ court of the town of New Shoreham shall have exclusive jurisdiction and cognizance over all crimes, offenses, and misdemeanors committed or done or occurring within the town of New Shoreham and the adjacent waters within the jurisdiction of the state, punishable by fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) or by imprisonment not exceeding three (3) months, and of all other criminal matters within the town limits, which are or shall be declared specially to be within the jurisdiction of a district or wardens’ court by the laws of the state, which shall legally be brought before such wardens’ court, with power to proceed to trial, render judgment, pass sentence, and award a warrant for execution of the sentence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1899, ch. 712, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-3; P.L. 2012, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 74, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-4. - Venue of offenses.

§ 12-3-4. Venue of offenses.
(a)
Every indictment or information for offenses committed on the waters of Narragansett Bay may be tried in any county in the discretion of the attorney general, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding justice.
(b)
For the purpose of prosecuting and punishing criminal offenses over which the superior court has jurisdiction, the state of Rhode Island is declared to be a single district. The offenses shall be prosecuted and punished at the following locations unless otherwise ordered by the presiding justice:
(1)
For offenses committed in a city or town within Providence or Bristol counties, at the superior court in Providence;
(2)
For offenses committed in the city of Warwick or a town within Kent county, at the superior court in Warwick;
(3)
For offenses committed in a town within Washington county, at the superior court in South Kingstown; and
(4)
For offenses committed in the city of Newport or a town within Newport county, at the superior court in Newport.
(c)
For the purpose of prosecuting and punishing criminal offenses over which the district court has jurisdiction, the offenses shall be prosecuted and punished at the following locations unless otherwise ordered to be moved within the same county by the chief judge pursuant to this section or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties and the court: (1) for the offenses committed in a town within the first division, at the district court located within Bristol county; (2) for offenses committed in the city of Newport or a town within the second division, at the district court located within Newport county; (3) for offenses committed in the cities of Warwick or Cranston or a town within the third division, at the district court within the third division; (4) for offenses committed in a town within the fourth division, at the district court located within Washington county; (5) for offenses committed in a city or town within the fifth division, at the district court located within the fifth division; and (6) for offenses committed in a city within the sixth division, at the district court in Providence. The chief judge may order any criminal case or proceeding to be transferred to another division of the court within the same county. For purposes of this section, the first division shall be considered to be a part of Providence county.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 8; G.L., ch. 354, § 32; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 32; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-4; P.L. 1974, ch. 118, § 10; P.L. 1981, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 240, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-5. - Offenses in vicinity of county or division boundary — Offenses at sea — Offenses aboard steamboat or train.

§ 12-3-5. Offenses in vicinity of county or division boundary — Offenses at sea — Offenses aboard steamboat or train.
A criminal offense committed on or within one hundred (100) rods of the boundary line of two (2) counties may be alleged to have been committed and may be prosecuted and proceeded against in either county unless otherwise ordered by the presiding justice, and if committed on or within fifty (50) rods of the boundary line of two (2) divisions of the district court, it may be alleged to have been committed and may be proceeded against and prosecuted in either division unless otherwise ordered by the chief judge pursuant to § 12-3-4(c). A criminal offense committed upon the sea within one league of the shore may be prosecuted and punished in any county. A criminal offense committed upon a steamboat or a railroad car may be alleged to have been so committed without specifying the division of the district court or county in which it was committed, and may be prosecuted and proceeded against in any county or in any division.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 34; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 34; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-5; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14; P.L. 1981, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-6. - Act within state resulting in death outside state.

§ 12-3-6. Act within state resulting in death outside state.
If a mortal wound is given, or if other violence or injury is inflicted, or if poison is administered, within this state, as a result of which death ensues outside this state, the homicide shall be prosecuted and punished at the location of the superior court as the presiding justice may by order designate.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 35; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 35; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-6; P.L. 1981, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-7. - Jurisdiction based on importation of stolen property.

§ 12-3-7. Jurisdiction based on importation of stolen property.
Whenever the property of another which has been taken or obtained in any other state or area within the jurisdiction of the United States, by the commission of any of the offenses described in §§ 11-8-6, 11-41-1 — 11-41-4, 11-41-6 — 11-41-9, 11-41-11, and 11-44-7, is brought into this state by the person who took or obtained the property by the commission of the offense, the offense by which the property was taken or obtained may be alleged to have been committed, and the person may be prosecuted and proceeded against in the superior court at any location that may by order be designated by the presiding justice or in any division of the district court in which the person is found in possession of the property, or through which the person may have transported the property or at any location that may be designated by the chief judge pursuant to § 12-3-4(c).
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 36; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 36; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-7; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14; P.L. 1981, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-8. - Venue of larceny prosecutions.

§ 12-3-8. Venue of larceny prosecutions.
Larceny, whether at common law, or as defined by §§ 11-41-1 — 11-41-4, 11-41-6, and 11-41-11, may be prosecuted and proceeded against in the superior court at any location that may by order be designated by the presiding justice or in any division of the district court in which the offense was committed, or in which the defendant has possession of the money or property which is alleged to have been stolen, or in which the false pretense was made or used or in any division that may be ordered by the chief judge pursuant to § 12-3-4(c).
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 33; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-8; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14; P.L. 1981, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-9. - Possession of property stolen outside state.

§ 12-3-9. Possession of property stolen outside state.
Whenever any property has been taken or obtained in any other state or area within the jurisdiction of the United States by robbery, stealing, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion, or false pretenses with the intent to cheat and defraud, and the property is brought into this state by any person who knew it was so taken or obtained, that person shall be deemed guilty of the offense described in § 11-41-2, and the offense may be alleged to have been committed in any county or in any division of the district court in which the person is found in possession of the property, or through which the person may have transported the property. The person may be prosecuted and proceeded against in the superior court at any location that may by order be designated by the presiding justice or in the division of the district court in which the offense is alleged to have been committed or in any division that may be ordered by the chief judge pursuant to § 12-3-4(c).
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 37; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 12-3-9; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 14; P.L. 1981, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-3 - Jurisdiction and Venue of Offenses › Section 12-3-10. - Enumeration of statutes of limitation.

§ 12-3-10. Enumeration of statutes of limitation.
The following compilation of statutes of limitation for criminal offenses is set forth as an aid to the public and is not intended to replace the specific statutes referred to in this section. The omission of any statute of limitation from this list shall in no way affect the validity of the statute.
Section
Offense
Period of Limitations
4-4-26
Offenses relating to diseased animals
30 days
11-13-2
Prosecution of illegal sale, use or possession of fireworks
30 days
11-47-53
Prosecution for firing weapons or carrying loaded weapons in vehicles
30 days
12-12-17
Minor criminal offenses; time for indictment or information
3 years
12-12-18
New indictment or information to replace one stolen, lost or destroyed
1 year
17-23-11
Prosecution of election law offenses
1 year
28-39-32
Temporary disability insurance act offenses
5 years
30-13-46(a)
Prosecution for desertion, AWOL during war, aiding the enemy or mutiny under the Rhode Island Code of Military Justice
No limit
30-13-46(b)
Prosecution for desertion in peacetime or perjury under the Rhode Island Code of Military Justice
3 years
30-13-46(c)
Prosecution for summary court-martial offenses under the Rhode Island Code of Military Justice
2 years
31-23.2-8
To enforce liability for tampering with odometers
6 months
46-7-4
Proceedings for forfeitures for wrongfully making fast a vessel to a stake or buoy, or damaging same, in the Pawtucket River, Warren River or upper Narragansett Bay, or to markers or beacons in other areas
6 months
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 388, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-4 - Recognizance to Keep the Peace › Section 12-4-1. - Examination on complaint of threat to commit offense.

§ 12-4-1. Examination on complaint of threat to commit offense.
Whenever complaint shall be made to any judge of the district court, or to any justice of the peace authorized to issue warrants within a division, that any person has, within the division, threatened to commit any crime or offense against the person or property of another, the judge or justice of the peace shall examine the complainant under oath or affirmation, and require his or her statement to be reduced to writing and be subscribed and sworn to by the complainant.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 152; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 12-4-1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 15; P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-4 - Recognizance to Keep the Peace › Section 12-4-2. - Warrant to apprehend accused.

§ 12-4-2. Warrant to apprehend accused.
If the complainant shall then, before the judge or justice of the peace, enter into a recognizance in a sum not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00), and with this surety, as the judge or justice of the peace shall direct and approve, with condition to prosecute the complaint with effect, or in default of prosecution to pay the costs that may accrue to the state, the judge or justice of the peace shall issue a warrant returnable immediately, annexing to the warrant the complaint, or reciting its substance in it, directed to the sheriff, deputy sheriffs, town sergeants, and town constables in the county in which the division is, and to the like officers in the county in which the accused may be supposed to belong, reside, or be found, and requiring the officer who shall be charged with the service of the warrant immediately to apprehend the accused and have him or her before the district court for the division in which the offense shall be alleged to have been committed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 153; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 12-4-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 15; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 20; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-4 - Recognizance to Keep the Peace › Section 12-4-3. - Inquiry into truth of complaint — Sentence to enter recognizance.

§ 12-4-3. Inquiry into truth of complaint — Sentence to enter recognizance.
Whenever any accused party shall be brought before the court, the court shall inquire into the truth of the complaint. If it shall appear that the complaint is true and that there is reasonable cause to fear that the threat would be carried into execution, the accused person shall be sentenced to enter into recognizance with sufficient surety or sureties, and in any sum that the court shall direct, with condition to keep the peace towards all the people of this state, and especially towards the person against whom or against whose property the threat shall have been made, for a certain time thereafter not exceeding eleven (11) months, and to pay all the costs of prosecution and conviction.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 154; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 12-4-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-4 - Recognizance to Keep the Peace › Section 12-4-4. - Discharge of accused — Commitment on failure to give recognizance.

§ 12-4-4. Discharge of accused — Commitment on failure to give recognizance.
Upon complying with the sentence, the accused shall be discharged; but on neglecting so to do, he or she shall be committed to the adult correctional institutions, there to remain during the term of which he or she was sentenced to give recognizance, and until the costs are paid, and also all the costs of his or her commitment, or until he or she shall enter into the recognizance required by the sentence before some judge of the district court or justice of the peace authorized to take bail in the county, and pay the required costs.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 155; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-4-4; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-4 - Recognizance to Keep the Peace › Section 12-4-5. - Exemption from recognizance — Domestic abuse.

§ 12-4-5. Exemption from recognizance — Domestic abuse.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no requirement shall be made of any complainant to enter into a recognizance of any sum to prosecute a complaint for domestic assault.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 156; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 12-4-5; P.L. 1977, ch. 259, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-4 - Recognizance to Keep the Peace › Section 12-4-6. - Discharge on failure to find complaint supported by evidence — Costs.

§ 12-4-6. Discharge on failure to find complaint supported by evidence — Costs.
If the district court before which the warrant shall be returned, or any warrant triable before it, upon which recognizance with surety for costs may be required by it, shall not consider the complaint, after trial, to be supported by the evidence adduced, the court shall immediately discharge the accused, and, as soon as may be, tax the costs that have accrued on it, including the attendance and travel of the witnesses summoned and present or sworn on the part of the complainant, and, if the costs are not paid within ten (10) days, shall issue execution for the costs against the complainant and his or her surety, returnable in twenty (20) days from the date of execution. The costs when collected shall be paid to the clerk, if there is any, or if not, to the justice, and be paid out by the clerk or justice to the several persons having right to them, or to the general treasurer.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 157; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 12-4-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-5 - Search Warrants › Section 12-5-1. - Authority to issue.

§ 12-5-1. Authority to issue.
(a)
A search warrant may be issued by any judge of the district court. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be so construed as to restrain the power of the justices of the supreme or superior courts by virtue of § 8-3-6 to issue a search warrant.
(b)
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be so construed as to restrain the power of the justices of the family court by virtue of §§ 8-10-3, 8-10-4, 8-10-38, and 11-9-9 to issue a search warrant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 16; P.L. 2002, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 262, § 1.