---
title: "Can a kidnapping conviction be expunged in Rhode Island?"
description: "Kidnapping convictions in Rhode Island are generally NOT eligible for expungement. Kidnapping is classified as a crime of violence under Rhode Island law, and crimes of violence are categorically..."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/can-a-kidnapping-conviction-be-expunged-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Can a kidnapping conviction be expunged in Rhode Island?

Kidnapping convictions in Rhode Island are generally NOT eligible for expungement. Kidnapping is classified as a crime of violence under Rhode Island law, and crimes of violence are categorically excluded from the expungement framework. The Attorney General would object to any expungement petition for a kidnapping conviction, and the petition would almost certainly be denied. The only paths to clearing a kidnapping conviction from your record are dismissal before conviction, acquittal at trial, or executive clemency through the Governor. This is one of the most important reasons to fight a kidnapping charge aggressively at the trial stage rather than accepting a plea.