reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-5. - Violations of Cranston ordinance.

§ 12-14-5. Violations of Cranston ordinance.
The city of Cranston is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the committee on police of the city council may, from time to time, establish as fines for violation of traffic ordinances. The committee on police may designate the police department for the purpose of collecting the fines as provided in this section, when the offender decides to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive the fines directly from any person charged with violation of any provision of the ordinances of the city relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the city treasurer. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police and the books of the police containing records of the violations, their dispositions, and money received as fines shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the city auditor of the city. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court for the sixth division for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 46; P.L. 1945, ch. 1546, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-14-5; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-6. - Violations of Warwick ordinances.

§ 12-14-6. Violations of Warwick ordinances.
The city of Warwick is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the police commission of the city of Warwick may, from time to time, establish for violation of traffic ordinances. The police department shall collect the fines as provided in this section, when the offender decides to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive fines directly from any person charged with a violation of any provision of the ordinance of the city relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the city treasurer. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police, and the books of the police containing the records of the violations, their dispositions, and money received as fines, shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the city auditor of the city. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court for the third division for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 47; P.L. 1947, ch. 1912, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-14-6; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-7. - Violations of Pawtucket ordinances.

§ 12-14-7. Violations of Pawtucket ordinances.
The city of Pawtucket is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the public safety commission of the city of Pawtucket may, from time to time, establish for violation of traffic ordinances. The police department shall collect fines as provided in this section, when the offender decides to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive fines directly from any person charged with a violation of any provision of the ordinance of the city relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the city treasurer. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police, and the books of the police containing the records of the violations, their disposition, and money received as fines, shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the city auditor of the city. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court for the fifth division for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 48; P.L. 1948, ch. 2137, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-14-7; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-8. - Violations of Charlestown ordinance.

§ 12-14-8. Violations of Charlestown ordinance.
The town of Charlestown is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the committee on police of the town council may, from time to time, establish for violation of traffic ordinances. The committee on police may designate the police department for the purpose of collecting fines as provided in this section, when the offender decides to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive the fines directly from any person charged with a violation of any provision of the ordinances of the town relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the town treasurer. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police, and the books of the police containing records of the violations, their dispositions, and money received as fines shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the town auditor of the town. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court for the fourth division for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines, and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 49; P.L. 1952, ch. 2976, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-14-8; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-10. - Violations of traffic and parking regulations in the town of Jamestown.

§ 12-14-10. Violations of traffic and parking regulations in the town of Jamestown.
A person charged with the violation of any provision of the ordinances relating to parking and/or traffic ordained by the town council of the town of Jamestown, and a person charged with a violation of any parking regulation of the state traffic commission relating to parking in Jamestown, notified in writing by a police officer to appear on a day and hour stated in the notice to answer the charge before the district court of the second division, instead of personally appearing in court may in person or by one duly authorized by him or her in writing appear at the Jamestown police station, admit the truth of the charge and pay to the officer in charge of the police station the amount of the fine set forth in the ordinance or parking regulation of the state traffic commission for violations, and the police department shall collect the fines as provided in this section, when the offender decides to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive fines directly from any person charged with a violation, and money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the town treasurer. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police and the books of the police containing the records of the violations, their dispositions and money received as fines, shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the town treasurer of the town. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court of the second division for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail. In addition the offender may mail the fine in accordance with the applicable provisions of the general laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 1972, ch. 232, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-11. - Violations of parking regulations in the town of Barrington.

§ 12-14-11. Violations of parking regulations in the town of Barrington.
The town of Barrington is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the Barrington town council may, from time to time, establish for violation of any provision of the ordinances relating to parking. The town council may designate the police department for the purpose of collecting fines as provided in this section, when the offender desires to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court, within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive the fines, directly or by mail, from any person charged with violation of any provision of the ordinances of the town relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the town treasurer of Barrington. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police in their books containing records of violations, and their disposition, and money received as fines shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the town treasurer of the town. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court of the state of Rhode Island, first division, for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 134, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-12. - Violations of parking regulations in the town of Smithfield.

§ 12-14-12. Violations of parking regulations in the town of Smithfield.
The town of Smithfield is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the Smithfield town council may, from time to time, establish for violation of any provision of the ordinances relating to parking. The town council may designate the police department for the purpose of collecting fines as provided in this section, when the offender desires to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court, within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive fines, directly or by mail, from any person charged with violation of any provision of the ordinances of the town relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the town treasurer of Smithfield. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police in the books of the police containing records of violations and their disposition, and money received as fines shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the town treasurer of the town. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court of the state of Rhode Island, seventh division, for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 1985, ch. 172, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-13. - Violations of parking regulations in the town of Burrillville.

§ 12-14-13. Violations of parking regulations in the town of Burrillville.
(a)
The town of Burrillville is further authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the town council may, from time to time, establish for violation of its traffic ordinances. The town council may designate the police department for the purpose of collecting fines as provided in this section, when the offender decides to dispose of a charge without personal appearance in court within three (3) days from the date of notification.
(b)
A person charged with the violation of any provision of the ordinances relating to parking ordained by the town council of the town of Burrillville and notified in writing by a police officer to appear on a day and hour stated in the notice to answer the charge before the district court for the seventh division instead of personally appearing in court may, in person or by one duly authorized by him or her in writing, appear at the Burrillville police station, admit the truth of the charge and pay the fine to the officer in charge of the police station; provided, that operators of cars registered out of the state may pay the fine by mailing the tag and the amount of the fine within three (3) days from the date of the violation, postage prepaid, addressed to the town clerk, town clerk’s office, Burrillville, Rhode Island; failure to appear and pay the fine or to mail the tag and the amount of the fine within three (3) days of the notice shall be deemed a waiver to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court; and provided, further, that the appearance, admission, and payment is made to the clerk within three (3) days of notification, and failure to appear within that time shall be deemed a waiver of the right to appear and to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court. The payment of the fine in the manner provided in this section shall operate as a final disposition of the charge and the proceedings shall not be deemed criminal. The notice provided pursuant to this section shall indicate the offense charged and shall also contain any information that will enable the person charged to take advantage of the provisions of this section. The right to dispose of a charge without personal appearance in court may not be exercised by any person who in any consecutive period of twelve (12) months next preceding the charge has been three (3) times in the aggregate adjudged guilty by the court, or has three (3) times admitted the truth of the charges made against him or her under the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 1985, ch. 320, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-14 - Payment of Traffic Fines › Section 12-14-14. - Violations of parking regulations in the town of Portsmouth.

§ 12-14-14. Violations of parking regulations in the town of Portsmouth.
The town of Portsmouth is authorized and empowered to fix any fines that the Portsmouth town council may, from time to time, establish for violation of any provision of the ordinances relating to parking. The town council may designate the police department for the purpose of collecting the fines as provided in this section, when the offender desires to dispose of the charge without personal appearance in court, within seven (7) days from notification. The police department is authorized to receive the fines, directly or by mail, from any person charged with violation of any provision of the ordinances of the town relating to traffic, and the money so received and collected shall be turned over by the police to the town treasurer of Portsmouth. All charges, records, and payments shall be immediately entered by the police in their books containing records of violations and their disposition, and money received as fines shall be audited not less than once every three (3) months by the town finance director’s office of the town. In the event the offender refuses or neglects to dispose of the charges within seven (7) days, then he or she shall be brought before the district court of the state of Rhode Island, second division, for trial and for any disposition of the case that the court may decide to be proper, in which case the provisions of § 12-14-1, relating to fines and their disposition, shall prevail.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-1. - Office created.

§ 12-15-1. Office created.
There is created the office of public defender.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1007, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-15-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-2. - Appointment and term of public defender.

§ 12-15-2. Appointment and term of public defender.
The governor with the advice and consent of the senate shall appoint a member of the bar of this state who has been admitted to practice law for at least five (5) years to fill the office of the public defender. The public defender shall serve a term of six (6) years and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1007, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-15-2; P.L. 1968, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 36, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-3. - Duty to represent indigent defendants.

§ 12-15-3. Duty to represent indigent defendants.
It shall be the duty of the public defender to represent and act as attorney for indigent defendants in those criminal cases referred to him or her by the supreme court, by the superior courts, by the district courts, and as are set forth in § 14-1-31, and he or she shall be engaged full time in that capacity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1007, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-15-3; P.L. 1966, ch. 271, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 3, § 2; P.L. 1974, ch. 49, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-4. - Office facilities.

§ 12-15-4. Office facilities.
The public defender shall have an office in the Providence County Courthouse which shall be assigned to him or her for his or her use by the Providence county courthouse commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1007, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 12-15-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-5. - Powers to accept grants and bequests.

§ 12-15-5. Powers to accept grants and bequests.
The public defender shall have the power to apply for and accept grants and bequests of funds from other states, interstate agencies, and independent authorities, and private firms, individuals, and foundations, for the purpose of carrying out his or her lawful responsibilities. The funds shall be deposited with the general treasurer in a restricted receipt account established within the department to permit funds to be expended in accordance with the provisions of the grant or bequest.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 461, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-6. - Assistant defenders.

§ 12-15-6. Assistant defenders.
The public defender may appoint any assistants that may be deemed necessary, whose power and duties shall be similar to those imposed upon the public defender by law and shall be performed under and by the advice and direction of the public defender.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1007, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 12-15-6; P.L. 1968, ch. 3, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-7. - Appropriations for expenses.

§ 12-15-7. Appropriations for expenses.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum or sums that it may deem necessary for the payment of the salaries of any clerical assistance that may be deemed necessary and for the payment of office expenses and other actual expenses incurred by the public defender in the performance of his or her duties; and the controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum or sums, or as much of the sum or sums as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the public defender.
History of Section.
P.L. 1941, ch. 1007, § 7; P.L. 1942, ch. 1133, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-15-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-8. - “Indigent defendants” defined.

§ 12-15-8. “Indigent defendants” defined.
For the purpose of assisting the public defender or his or her assistants to carry out their duties under this chapter, “indigent defendant,” when used in connection with representation and action as attorney by the public defender or one of his or her assistants in cases before the courts under this chapter, includes a person who after payment of necessary expenses for food, shelter and medical care, does not have sufficient income or assets to enable him or her to retain counsel nor is there any one to whom he or she is entitled to look for support who has that income or assets.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 271, § 2; P.L. 1968, ch. 3, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 175, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-9. - Eligibility for assistance.

§ 12-15-9. Eligibility for assistance.
Every person who seeks the services of the office of the public defender under this chapter must make affidavit under oath that, after payment of necessary expenses for food, shelter and medical care, he or she does not have sufficient income or assets to enable him or her to retain counsel, nor is there any one to whom he or she is entitled to look for support who has that income or assets. The public defender, on his or her own instigation or at the request of a referring court, may require a further financial statement, may require relevant documents, and may conduct any investigation he or she deems appropriate. If the public defender, after examination and investigation of the financial statement, is satisfied that the person submitting it is an indigent defendant, the public defender or one of his or her assistants shall defend the person; provided, that if the public defender is satisfied that the person is not an indigent defendant, he or she shall notify the court which referred the person to the public defender’s office of the determination that the person is not an indigent defendant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 271, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 175, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-10. - Confidential nature of financial statement.

§ 12-15-10. Confidential nature of financial statement.
The public defender, his or her assistants, and every employee of his or her office is expressly prohibited from divulging to any individual not officially connected with his or her office any information obtained by the public defender, his or her assistants, or any employee of that office in the regular course of their duty or from any financial statement submitted under § 12-15-9 or from the records and reports of their investigation, or from the permanent records of that office, which would reveal any of the information relative to the financial status or any person submitting a financial statement. Every request for information directed to the public defender shall be denied if the request would necessitate that individual to divulge any information which is declared in this section to be held confidential by the public defender; provided, the public defender is authorized to divulge the information confidentially held by that office to the court referring a defendant in a criminal case to the public defender’s office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 271, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-15 - Public Defender › Section 12-15-11. - Penalty for false representation.

§ 12-15-11. Penalty for false representation.
Whoever knowingly makes a false statement or representation to the public defender, assistants, or any employee of that office to obtain the legal services of the public defender or one of his or her assistants under this chapter, either for himself or herself or for any other person, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300), or by imprisonment not longer than thirty (30) days, or both. Each false statement or representation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-1. - Short title.

§ 12-16-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Act to Secure the Attendance of Witnesses from Without the State in Criminal Cases.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-2. - Definitions.

§ 12-16-2. Definitions.
(a)
“State” includes any territory of the United States and the District of Columbia.
(b)
“Witness” as used in this chapter includes a person whose testimony is desired in any proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or in a criminal action, prosecution, or proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-3. - Certification by foreign judge as to witness from this state.

§ 12-16-3. Certification by foreign judge as to witness from this state.
If a judge of a court of record in any state, which by its laws has made provision for commanding persons within that state to attend and testify in this state, certifies under the seal of the court: (1) that there is a criminal prosecution pending in the court or that a grand jury investigation has commenced or is about to commence, (2) that a person being within this state is a material witness in the prosecution or grand jury investigation, and (3) that the person’s presence will be required for a specified number of days, upon presentation of the certificate to any judge of a court of record in the county in which the person is, the judge shall fix a time and place for a hearing, and shall make an order directing the witness to appear at a certain time and place for the hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-4. - Issuance of summons to appear in another state.

§ 12-16-4. Issuance of summons to appear in another state.
If at a hearing the judge determines: (1) that the witness is material and necessary, (2) that it will not cause undue hardship to the witness to be compelled to attend and testify in the prosecution or a grand jury investigation in the other state, and (3) that the laws of the state in which the prosecution is pending or grand jury investigation has commenced or is about to commence will give to him or her protection from arrest and the service of civil and criminal process, the judge shall issue a summons with a copy of the certificate attached, directing the witness to attend and testify in the court where the prosecution is pending or where a grand jury investigation has commenced or is about to commence at a time and place specified in the summons. In any hearing the certificate shall be prima facie evidence of all the facts stated in it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-5. - Taking into custody and delivery of witness.

§ 12-16-5. Taking into custody and delivery of witness.
If the certificate recommends that the witness be taken into immediate custody and delivered to an officer of the requesting state to assure his or her attendance in the requesting state, the judge may, in lieu of notification of the hearing, direct that the witness be immediately brought before him or her for the hearing; and the judge at the hearing, being satisfied of the desirability of custody and delivery, for which determination the certificate shall be prima facie proof of that desirability, may, in lieu of issuing subpoena or summons, order that the witness be immediately taken into custody and delivered to an officer of the requesting state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-6. - Punishment for disobedience of summons.

§ 12-16-6. Punishment for disobedience of summons.
If a witness, who is summoned as provided in this chapter, after being paid or tendered by some properly authorized person the sum of ten cents ($0.10) a mile for each mile and five dollars ($5.00) for each day that he or she is required to travel and attend as a witness, fails without good cause to attend and testify as directed in the summons, he or she shall be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of any witness who disobeys a summons issued from a court of record in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-7. - Certificate to summon witness from another state.

§ 12-16-7. Certificate to summon witness from another state.
If a person in any state which by its laws has made provision for commanding persons within its borders to attend and testify in criminal prosecutions or grand jury investigations commenced or about to commence in this state is a material witness in a prosecution pending in a court of record in this state or in a grand jury investigation which has commenced or is about to commence, a judge of the court may issue a certificate under the seal of the court stating these facts and specifying the number of days the witness will be required. This certificate shall be presented to a judge of a court of record in the county in which the witness is found.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-8. - Receiving custody of witness from another state.

§ 12-16-8. Receiving custody of witness from another state.
If the certificate recommends that the witness be taken into immediate custody and delivered to an officer of this state to assure his or her attendance in this state, the judge may direct that the witness be immediately brought before him or her; and the judge, being satisfied of the desirability of the custody and delivery, for which determination the certificate shall be prima facie proof, may order that the witness be immediately taken into custody and delivered to an officer of this state, which order shall be sufficient authority to the officer to take the witness into custody and hold him or her unless and until he or she may be released by bail, recognizance, or order of the judge issuing the certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-9. - Fees tendered — Duration of attendance required — Failure to testify.

§ 12-16-9. Fees tendered — Duration of attendance required — Failure to testify.
If the witness is summoned to attend and testify in this state, he or she shall be tendered the sum of ten cents ($0.10) a mile for each mile and five dollars ($5.00) for each day that he or she is required to travel and attend as a witness. A witness who has appeared in accordance with the provisions of the summons shall not be required to remain within this state for a longer period of time than the period mentioned in the certificate, unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the witness fails without good cause to attend and testify as directed in the summons, he or she shall be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of any witness who disobeys a summons issued from a court of record in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-10. - Exemption from process of witnesses entering state.

§ 12-16-10. Exemption from process of witnesses entering state.
If a person comes into this state in obedience to a summons directing him or her to attend and testify in this state that person shall not, while in this state pursuant to the summons or order, be subject to arrest or the service of process, civil or criminal, in connection with matters which arose before his or her entrance into this state under the summons.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-11. - Exemption from process of witnesses passing through state.

§ 12-16-11. Exemption from process of witnesses passing through state.
A person passing through this state while going to another state in obedience to a summons or order to attend and testify in that state or while returning from testifying, shall not, while so passing through this state, be subject to arrest or the service of process, civil or criminal, in connection with matters which arose before his or her entrance into this state under the summons or order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-12. - Uniformity of construction.

§ 12-16-12. Uniformity of construction.
This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of the states which enact it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16 - Attendance of Witnesses from Without State › Section 12-16-13. - Severability.

§ 12-16-13. Severability.
If any part of this chapter is for any reason declared void, its invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2382, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 626, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 12-16-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 12-16.1-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Penal institutions” includes a jail, prison, penitentiary, house of correction, or other place of penal detention.
(2)
“State” includes any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory of the United States.
(3)
“Witness” means a person who is confined in a penal institution in any state and whose testimony is desired in another state in any criminal proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or in any criminal action before a court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-2. - Summoning witness in this state to testify in another state.

§ 12-16.1-2. Summoning witness in this state to testify in another state.
(a)
A judge of a state court of record in another state, which by its laws has made provision for commanding persons confined in penal institutions within that state to attend and testify in this state, may certify:
(1)
That there is a criminal proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or a criminal action pending in the court;
(2)
That a person who is confined in a penal institution in this state may be a material witness in the proceeding, investigation, or action; and
(3)
That his or her presence will be required during a specified time.
(b)
Upon presentation of the certificate to any judge having jurisdiction over the confined person, and upon notice to the attorney general, the judge in this state shall fix a time and place for a hearing and shall make an order directed to the person having custody of the prisoner requiring that the prisoner be produced before him or her at the hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-3. - Court order.

§ 12-16.1-3. Court order.
If at the hearing the judge determines: (1) that the witness may be material and necessary, (2) that his or her attending and testifying are not adverse to the interests of this state or to the health or legal rights of the witness, (3) that the laws of the state in which he or she is requested to testify will give him or her protection from arrest and the service of civil and criminal process because of any act committed prior to his arrival in the state under the order, and (4) that as a practical matter the possibility is negligible that the witness may be subject to arrest or to the service of civil or criminal process in any state through which he or she will be required to pass, the judge shall issue an order with a copy of the certificate attached, directing the witness to attend and testify, directing the person having custody of the witness to produce him or her, in the court in which the criminal action is pending or where the grand jury investigation is pending, at a time and place specified in the order, and prescribing any conditions that the judge shall determine.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-4. - Terms and conditions.

§ 12-16.1-4. Terms and conditions.
The order to the witness and to the person having custody of the witness shall provide for the return of the witness at the conclusion of his or her testimony, proper safeguards on the witness’ custody, and proper financial reimbursement or prepayment by the requesting jurisdiction for all expenses incurred in the production and return of the witness, and may prescribe any other conditions that the judge thinks proper or necessary. The order shall not become effective until the judge of the state requesting the witness enters an order directing compliance with the prescribed conditions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-5. - Exceptions.

§ 12-16.1-5. Exceptions.
This chapter does not apply to any person in this state confined as insane or mentally ill, or as a defective delinquent, or under sentence of death.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-6. - Prisoner from another state summoned to testify in this state.

§ 12-16.1-6. Prisoner from another state summoned to testify in this state.
(a)
If a person confined in a penal institution in any other state may be a material witness in a criminal action pending in a court of record or in a grand jury investigation in this state, a judge of the court may certify:
(1)
That there is a criminal proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or a criminal action pending in the court;
(2)
That a person who is confined in a penal institution in the other state may be a material witness in the proceeding, investigation, or action; and
(3)
That the person’s presence will be required during a specified time.
(b)
The certificate shall be presented to a judge of a court of record in the other state having jurisdiction over the confined prisoner, and a notice shall be given to the attorney general of the state in which the prisoner is confined.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-7. - Compliance.

§ 12-16.1-7. Compliance.
The judge of the court in this state may enter an order directing compliance with the terms and conditions prescribed by the judge of the state in which the witness is confined.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-16.1 - Uniform Rendition of Prisoners as Witnesses in Criminal Proceeding Act › Section 12-16.1-8. - Exemption from arrest and service of process.

§ 12-16.1-8. Exemption from arrest and service of process.
If a witness from another state comes into or passes through this state under an order directing the witness to attend in this or another state, he or she shall not, while in this state pursuant to the order, be subject to arrest or the service of process, civil or criminal, because of any act committed prior to his or her arrival in this state under the order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-17 - Trial › Section 12-17-1. - Trial in superior court only on indictment, information, or appeal — Venue.

§ 12-17-1. Trial in superior court only on indictment, information, or appeal — Venue.
No person shall be put on trial for any offense before the superior court except upon indictment found by a grand jury, or upon an information signed by the attorney general or one of the attorney general’s designated assistants, or upon appeal from the sentence of a district court, and, unless otherwise provided by law, the trial shall be held before the superior court in the county in which the offense may lawfully be alleged to have been committed or shall have been committed and not elsewhere, but this provision and all other general and special provisions fixing the venue of criminal actions shall be subject to the exception that proceedings by indictment, information, or on appeal for offenses alleged to have been committed or committed in the county of Bristol shall be had in the county of Providence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, §§ 1, 7; C.P.A. 1905, §§ 1179, 1180; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, §§ 1, 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 31; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-1; P.L. 1974, ch. 118, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-17 - Trial › Section 12-17-2. - “Not guilty” plea inferred.

§ 12-17-2. “Not guilty” plea inferred.
If any person on being arraigned for an offense shall stand mute or not answer directly, or shall peremptorily challenge a greater number of the persons summoned as jurors than he or she is by law entitled to challenge, the plea of “not guilty” shall be entered on the record, the supernumerary challenges shall be disregarded, and the trial shall proceed as if the prisoner had pleaded “not guilty” and as if he or she had not made the challenges.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 15; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-17 - Trial › Section 12-17-3. - Waiver of jury trial — Special findings and rulings.

§ 12-17-3. Waiver of jury trial — Special findings and rulings.
In all criminal cases the accused may, if he or she shall so elect and with the leave of the court, waive a trial by jury, and in those cases the court shall have jurisdiction to hear and try the cause without a jury and render judgment and pass sentence. In cases so tried the court shall, upon request of the accused, make special finding upon any issue of fact and special ruling upon any question of law arising in the case.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 78; P.L. 1929, ch. 1335, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 71; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-17 - Trial › Section 12-17-5. - Continuance of trial to conclusion after opening to jury.

§ 12-17-5. Continuance of trial to conclusion after opening to jury.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 8-7-2, and notwithstanding the provisions of any other law previously enacted, whenever a criminal trial shall have been opened to a jury the trial shall continue to its conclusion.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2335, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-17 - Trial › Section 12-17-6. - Control and disposition of property used as evidence.

§ 12-17-6. Control and disposition of property used as evidence.
All property, money, or estate taken or detained as evidence in any criminal cause shall be subject to the order of the court before which the indictment, information, or complaint shall be brought or pending, and shall, at the termination of the cause, be restored to the rightful owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 30; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 30; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 66; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 66; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 59; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-6; P.L. 1974, ch. 118, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 12 - Criminal Procedure › Chapter 12-17 - Trial › Section 12-17-7. - Release of property held as evidence after escape of defendant.

§ 12-17-7. Release of property held as evidence after escape of defendant.
If any defendant charged with the commission of any crime or offense after arrest upon indictment, information, or complaint found shall have escaped, the court before which the indictment, information, or complaint shall be pending may, after the lapse of a reasonable time, return and restore any property or estate held pursuant to § 12-7-16 to its owner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 31; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 31; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 67; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 67; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 60; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-7; P.L. 1974, ch. 118, § 13.