Bail in Rhode Island is the money or surety required to secure your release from custody pending trial. Bail is set at arraignment by a District Court judge based on the severity of the charges, your prior record, your ties to the community, and whether the prosecution argues for higher bail based on flight risk. Common bail outcomes include personal recognizance (no money required, released on your promise to appear), set bail (cash or surety bond required), and held-without-bail for the most serious cases. A defense lawyer at arraignment can argue for the lowest possible bail amount and most favorable conditions.
