A typical petty larceny case in Rhode Island District Court resolves in 3 to 6 months from arraignment, often faster for first-time defendants accepting diversion programs. Grand larceny felony cases that move to Superior Court take 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the evidence and any pre-trial motions. Cases involving organized theft schemes, multiple victims, or large amounts can take longer because of the discovery volume. Cases that resolve through diversion programs sometimes wrap up within a single court appearance after the defendant agrees to terms. Faster resolution often means less time the charge appears on background checks during employment searches.
