Robbery 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. Robbery bail is often high because of the felony classification and the perceived flight risk. A defense lawyer at arraignment can argue for the lowest possible bail and challenge the prosecution's risk arguments.
