What to Do After an Arrest in Rhode Island

You must be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest on weekdays or within 48 hours if your arrest happens over a weekend. This is the arraignment hearing where the judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, accepts your plea, and sets bail. If you are Read More

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 Read More

Yes. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to refuse to answer police questions after a Rhode Island arrest. The only information you should provide is your name, address, and basic identifying information. Anything else you say can be used against you in court. Politely state that you Read More

When arrested in Rhode Island, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, the right to a lawyer under the Sixth Amendment, the right to refuse consent to searches without a warrant under the Fourth Amendment, the right to make a phone call within one hour of Read More

It depends on the circumstances, but you are typically held until bail is set and you make bail, or until your arraignment.

Yes. Even for minor charges, a lawyer can help protect your rights and potentially reduce penalties.