A typical misdemeanor simple assault case in Rhode Island District Court resolves in 3 to 6 months from arraignment, depending on continuances and pre-trial motions. Felony assault cases that move to Superior Court take 6 to 18 months or longer, especially if the case involves serious bodily injury, expert witnesses (medical, forensic), or pre-trial motions to suppress evidence. Cases that go to trial take longer than cases that resolve via plea agreement at the pre-trial conference. Domestic assault cases sometimes move faster because the procedural calendar is more aggressive.
