Rhode Island Court Records

Are Rhode Island Court Records Public?

The Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act of 1979 authorizes individuals to inspect and copy court records in the state. The law was notably amended in 1991, 1998, and 2008 to guarantee Rhode Island residents access to public records in general, including court records.

However, the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act creates room for court records that may be exempted from public access due to the sensitivity of the information they carry or as provided by a court order or provision of the law. Likewise, sealed records and confidential documents are not available to the public. Such records are only accessible if the person requesting them is directly involved in the case, such as a party to the case, an attorney, or a self-represented defendant.

What Shows Up on a Rhode Island Court Records Search

Rhode Island court records consist of copies of information, verdicts, judgments, opinions, filings, and recordings created or retained in any form by a court during court proceedings. Per Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act, members of the public are authorized to inspect and obtain copies of court records except for those exempted from public access. Such exempted records, in most cases, can only be accessed by a party to the case, the attorney, or any other individual with a court order.

A Rhode Island court record search provides valuable information for individual investigation and legal research. It can also help track court proceedings and gather information about an individual's court history. The Rhode Island judiciary provides different alternatives for court record searches in person, via mail, or online. Interested searchers must know search parameters such as party name, filing date, case number, court location, and county to perform a court record search.

How Do I Find Court Records in Rhode Island?

The first step to take when trying to obtain court records in Rhode Island is to verify the court where the requested court records were initially filed and submit a record request at the court clerk's office. The court clerks are the record custodians of the courts where they operate. Their primary duty is to generate, maintain, and provide access to official court records upon request. Record requests can be submitted in person, online, or via any media the court clerk permits. Individuals can obtain the contact information and location of a court of interest by searching the "courts" portal on the Rhode Island Judiciary website.

In-person requests should be made at the court clerk's office in the court where the case was filed. Requestors may be required to draw up request applications in written form or, if available, complete request forms and submit them in person at the court clerk's office. In the request application, specify the requested court records and the number of copies to be produced if copies will be made.

Individuals can remotely access Rhode Island court records through its public portal for online requests. The online public portal is open to the general public, but they may only access the court's register of actions or docket. Requesting parties must have registered accounts to access case records on this platform.

Furthermore, interested persons should email requests to the Judicial Technology Center (JTC) at helpdesk@courts.ri.gov and attach the Request for Access to Case Information form and a signed Subscription Agreement included in the form. The JTC will reply to the email with additional instructions.

How to Conduct a Rhode Island Court Record Search by Name

Persons who wish to conduct a court record search by name may do so at the court clerk's office and submit a Request for Access to Case Information form. Alternatively, they may submit record requests online through the public portal. The contact information and location of the courts are available on the Rhode Island courts directory. To conduct a court record search by name, the inquirer must have the name of the parties involved in the case and the legal representative or presiding judge to ease the search.

How to Get Court Records Online for Free

Information seekers who wish to get court records for free online can use the public access computers provided by most courts in Rhode Island. The inquirer should, however, note that some courthouses have charges attached to using their access terminals. As such, it is necessary to contact the court clerk's office for verification. Alternatively, there are other low-cost options available, such as the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) and third-party websites that provide remote access to Rhode Island court records.

Considered open to citizens of the United States, court records are available through both traditional, government sources, and through third-party websites and organizations. In many cases, third-party websites make the search easier as they are not limited geographically or by technological limitations. They are considered a good place to start when looking for a specific record or multiple records. In order to gain access to these records, interested parties must typically provide:

• The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
• The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.

While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.

What Shows Up on Rhode Island Judgment Records?

Rhode Island judgment records depict a court's decision on a lawsuit. In a civil case, a judgment describes the rights and obligations of the parties and the remedies for infringing those rights or failing to meet legal obligations. In a criminal case, a judgment is the court's pronouncement of an individual's conviction or acquittal of criminal charges, as well as the applicable penalties.

Judgments only become binding when the Clerk of courts enters the record in the court docket. This action also makes the record available for public access per the Rhode Island Access To Public Records Act. Persons seeking judgment records must visit the Clerk's office during business hours and submit an official request. The court administrative staff will require case identifying information and payment for associated court fees before processing the request. Cash, money order, certified check, and credit cards are acceptable ways to pay court fees. Alternatively, a requester may prepare and send a mail-in request following instructions for mail requests.

The information contained in judgment records depends on the case type. Nevertheless, a typical judgment record in Rhode Island includes the litigants' names, the judge's name, a case description, and the court's decision. The document will also feature the awarded remedies and the penalties for concerned parties.

Are Rhodes Island Bankruptcy Records Public?

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Rhode Island bankruptcy records are public records and, therefore, accessible to information seekers on request. Bankruptcy records contain detailed information about people or businesses that file for bankruptcy in Rhodes. They contain mostly financial data and other details such as:

• Social security number or driver's license
• List of businesses established or invested in, assets, and income reports
• List of debts accrued, creditors, and amount owed

Bankruptcy cases fall under federal jurisdiction and are handled in special courts. However, the records obtained from debtors are public and can either be accessed at the court, through the court's Clerk during work hours, or online at any time through PACER. Despite its public availability, sensitive information in Rhodes Bankruptcy records may be redacted.

Alongside bankruptcy records, Rhode Island liens, judgments, and writs are preserved by the record custodians and repositories within state limits. Interested persons may view or copy these records by querying these custodians. However, requestors are usually required to facilitate the search and cover the cost of research and production of copies (where required).

How to Find Bankruptcy Records in Rhode Island

The US Bankruptcy Court Clerk in Rhode Island creates and maintains bankruptcy records. Interested persons can submit bankruptcy records requests to the US Bankruptcy Court Clerk in person or through other options provided by the court.

Information seekers can also obtain bankruptcy records over the phone by calling (401) 626-3100 or on PACER at $0.10 per page. Requestors may also send requests for bankruptcy records to the Clerk's office via email at rib_helpdesk@rib.uscourts.gov

Can You Look Up Court Cases in Rhode Island?

Yes. Interested persons can look up court cases in Rhode Island per the state's public records law. Rhode Island courts allow public access to case information online through the court's website or in person at the computer terminals located in the court clerks' offices. These computer terminals can be used to look up cases during the court's regular business hours by providing details on the desired case. However, sealed or confidential court records are not open to public access.

Rhode Island Court Case Lookup Exemptions

Although court records are public records in Rhode Island, certain court records are exempted from public access per Chapter 2§ 38-2-2 of the Public Records Act. These include:

• Records pertaining to the relationship between medical personnel or attorney and their clients
• Medical and psychological information relating to a case party
• Records considered confidential or sealed by federal or state law
• Information about individuals whose disclosure would constitute a needless incursion of personal privacy per 5 USC 552 et. seq.
• Trade secrets and economic information are acquired from an individual, company, or business.
• Records relating to child custody and adoption
• Secrets about science and technology inventions and military security plans whose disclosure is capable of endangering public welfare and security.
• All records that reveal the identity of members of a charitable organization and their contributions to society
• Reports and statements regarding labor negotiations or bargaining.

How to Find a Court Docket in Rhode Island

A Rhode Island court docket is a log of all case or court proceeding processes. Court dockets are crucial legal documents as they help the court keep track of the progress of the cases handled. The court clerk usually assigns dockets or case numbers once a case is filed to help distinguish one docket from another.

Court dockets generally contain a docket or case number, filing date, case description, the deciding court location, and party names. Persons interested in obtaining court dockets can contact the county and courthouse where the case was decided with a case party name or docket number to commence the search process.

Types of Courts in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Court System comprises courts with general or limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases.

• The Rhode Island Supreme Court is the state's highest court and court of last resort, with the final authority on all matters of law and equity in the state.
• Rhode Island Superior Courts are courts of general jurisdiction. They are trial courts of record with original jurisdiction to handle civil cases and felony cases where the amount in dispute is more than $5,000.00.
• Rhode Island District Courts have limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, depending on the nature and severity of the case. The courts have exclusive rights to preside over most general civil claims where the amount in dispute is below $5,000.00
• Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court hears and resolves disputes involving employees and employers over compensation, salary or wages. It also handles conflicts between remuneration insurers and employers. The court has jurisdiction to preside over civil matters related to workers' payments in the state.
• Rhode Island Family Courts function as alternative courts that handle problems concerning children and families. The Family courts may also resolve some criminal and civil cases such as child negligence, divorce and annulment, delinquency, custody, and assaults involving family members. Appeals of Family Court verdicts are moved to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
• The Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal was inaugurated by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1999. It is a court with original jurisdiction to decide civil traffic offenses and has joint jurisdiction with the municipal courts to preside over lesser traffic offenses.
• Rhode Island Municipal Courts have jurisdiction to hear and resolve most municipal regulation offenses in their territorial jurisdictions. These courts handle cases relating to animal law infractions, zoning regulations, or local housing breaches, including cases related to parking permits.
• Rhode Island Probate Court decides cases regarding wills, guardianships, juvenile custody, conservatorships, estates management, adult and minor adoptions, and approval to sell or mortgage property at a private or public sale.

Civil vs Small Claims Courts in Rhode Island: Understanding the Difference

In Rhode Island, small claims are cases where the parties involved claim damages of $2,500 or less based on a contract, retail sale, or service. These cases are handled by Rhode Island Small Claims Courts, which are divisions of the District Courts. A small claims case is structured to dispense immediate and final justice. The filing fee for a small claims case is $75.75. A small claims court can only issue a judgment for money and not for other complaints. For example, the court cannot issue an order to stop a person from making noise, finish a job, or move a fence.

To file a case in a small claims court, an individual may complete and submit the forms on the website of the District Courts' small claims section. These forms can be found under "Forms" on the top right side of the website. The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions at law where the amount in dispute is not more than $5,000. The court also has concurrent original jurisdiction with the Superior Court over civil actions at law in which the amount in dispute is above $5,000 but does not exceed $10,000.

The days and times the District Courts in Rhode Island hear small claims are as follows:

Murray Judicial Complex
2nd Division District Court
45 Washington Square
Newport, Rhode Island 02840-2913
(401) 841-8350
Monday 9:00 a.m.

Noel Judicial Complex
3rd Division District Court
222 Quaker Lane
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-0107
(401) 822-6750
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m.

McGrath Judicial Complex
4th Division District Court
4800 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879-2239
(401) 782-4131
Monday 9:00 a.m.

Garrahy Judicial Complex
6th Division District Court
One Dorrance Plaza
Providence, Rhode Island 02903-2719
(401) 458-5401
Thursday 1:30 p.m.

The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions at law where the amount in dispute is not more than $5,000. The court also has concurrent original jurisdiction with the Superior Court over civil actions at law in which the amount in dispute is above $5,000 but does not exceed $10,000.