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Find Rhode Island Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Rhode Island?

Yes, criminal records are public records under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA). Information on a person’s arrest, trial, conviction, sentencing, incarceration, parole, probation, and supervision are accessible upon request by the public. Requesters must provide the subject’s name and last known location, including cities, counties, and states, unless the subject is a juvenile. Additional information can be obtained from the trial court's website regarding specific criminal cases.

These records are also accessible through third-party aggregate sites, which may offer broader geographic coverage. However, these sites are not government-sponsored, and the availability of records may vary.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Rhode Island?

A criminal record in Rhode Island, often referred to as a rap sheet, is an official document maintained by criminal justice agencies. These records are compiled by law enforcement during criminal investigations and include arrest records, arrest warrants, incident reports, and logs of police activities.

What Information Is Included in Rhode Island Criminal Record?

Subject’s name and known aliases
Personal information like age, place, and birth date
Photograph
Known criminal associates
Offense information and criminal charges faced in court
Court of trial
Disposition, i.e., trial outcome
Incarceration information
Parole eligibility
Post-conviction status

How To Check Criminal Records in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island judiciary maintains a public portal where individuals can access information on most adult criminal cases. A criminal record search can be initiated by using the “smart search” box and entering the individual's name.

Alternatively, requests can be made in person or by mail to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI). In-person requests require a valid government-issued photo ID and payment. Mail requests must include a signed release form from the subject, valid identification, payment via check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Are Arrest Records Public in Rhode Island?

It depends. Arrest records are generally public unless their release would compromise active investigations or the safety of law enforcement officers or civilians. Requests for public arrest records should be directed to the arresting agency, typically the Sheriff’s Office or local police department.

Most agencies do not charge a search fee but may require payment for copying documents. To obtain free arrest records, requesters should inquire about fee waiver policies or demonstrate that the request serves the public interest.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Rhode Island?

Arrest warrants in Rhode Island are official court orders authorizing law enforcement officers to take a person into custody. They are issued when law enforcement provides substantial evidence that the person named has committed an offense or is connected to a crime. Bench warrants are a type of arrest warrant for individuals who have missed court appearances.

How To Lookup Mugshots in Rhode Island

Mugshots are photographs taken during an individual's booking process and are part of arrest records. They are generally publicly available and stored by the arresting agency, such as the local police department or Sheriff's Office. To find mugshots, one can contact the relevant law enforcement agency or check their online databases.

How To Search Inmate Records in Rhode Island

Inmate records are publicly accessible and maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. These records can be searched through an online inmate lookup database, which provides information on inmates currently or previously held in state correctional facilities.

How To Find Rhode Island Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal records in Rhode Island include information on arrests, trials, convictions, and more. These records are publicly available and can be accessed through various means:

Public portals maintained by the judiciary
In-person or mail requests to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation
Online databases maintained by law enforcement agencies

While some services may charge a fee, free records might be available through certain online resources or fee waivers for eligible individuals.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Rhode Island?

Juvenile criminal records in Rhode Island include information from the point of arrest to court decisions on rehabilitation. These records are strictly confidential and only accessible by the court. Once the minor completes probation or other court-ordered sentences, the records are automatically sealed.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island sex offender registry is a public database of individuals convicted of sex crimes. It includes information on level 2 and level 3 offenders. This information is collected by law enforcement and made available to the public to promote safety. The registry can be accessed online or through local police departments.

Are Police Records Public Information in Rhode Island?

Police records in Rhode Island include arrest records, incident reports, and police logs. They are generally publicly available and stored by law enforcement agencies. These records can be accessed by contacting the relevant agency or through their online databases. Police records typically contain:

Full name of the individual
Date of birth
Gender
Race
Home address (confidential if privacy is compromised)
Criminal charges
Date and time of arrest
Arresting officer’s name

Rhode Island Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Rhode Island are offenses punishable by fines up to $1000, community service, mandatory education, and incarceration up to one year. They are classified as either petty misdemeanors or misdemeanors. Examples include:

Larceny
Disorderly conduct
Trespassing
DUI
Shoplifting
Vandalism
Public indecency

Rhode Island Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony laws in Rhode Island cover serious offenses with severe penalties, including imprisonment for more than one year and substantial fines. Types of felonies include:

Murder
Arson
Forgery
Burglary
Kidnapping
Robbery

Overview of Rhode Island DUI Laws

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Rhode Island is illegal and determined by field sobriety and chemical tests. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 or more face DUI charges. Penalties include jail time, fines, and alternative sentences like community service. Underage drivers face zero tolerance, losing driving privileges for any alcohol consumption. Misdemeanor DUI convictions remain on driving records for at least five years, while felony DUIs may remain for life.

Are Rhode Island Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Rhode Island include court decisions on sentences allowing offenders to serve terms under supervision within the community. These records are not publicly available and remain part of the offender's criminal records unless expunged.

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