Automatic expungement in Rhode Island is a Second Chance Law process that clears certain records without requiring you to file a petition. Records eligible for automatic expungement include acquittals, dismissals, and no-file decisions by prosecutors. The Rhode Island Judiciary began implementing the program in 2024 and reported processing over 12,000 automatic expungements in the first year. The rollout has been gradual, so verify your record status by requesting a BCI report from the Rhode Island Attorney General. If your record should have been automatically expunged but has not been, a lawyer can file a request to compel processing.
