Burglary cases in Rhode Island begin at District Court for arraignment and bail, then move to Rhode Island Superior Court for the substantive proceedings including jury trial because of the felony classification. The Attorney General has up to 6 months after arraignment to file the indictment moving the case to Superior Court. Felony jury trials happen before a 12-person jury. Burglary bail is often high because of the felony classification, perceived flight risk, and community safety concerns. First-degree burglary cases involving potential life sentences typically see the highest bail amounts and most aggressive prosecution. Defense counsel at arraignment can argue for the lowest possible bail.
