Newport County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

What are Newport County Public Records?

Newport County public records contain information produced or received under law or ordinance, or as required by a public agency to transact official business. According to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act, these records may include documents, films, photographs, sound recordings, electronic data processing records, tapes, electronic mail messages, or other records notwithstanding characteristics or physical form. While most government-generated Newport County records are considered public, state law restricts access to records considered sensitive or private. The following are some examples of records exempt from public disclosure:

All records considered confidential by federal or state law
Personnel and personal identifiable records if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Trade secrets and any financial or commercial information obtained from a person, corporation, or firm, if considered privileged or confidential
All law enforcement records for criminal law enforcement or crime detection and investigation if disclosure could deprive a person of their right to a fair trial, expose the identity of a confidential source, interfere with investigations, or endanger any person's life or physical safety
Records of school districts produced to protect students
Security plans and other law enforcement secrets that could affect public security or welfare
Individual test score records for licensing and professional certification examinations

In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

The name of the subject involved in record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
The address of the requestor
A case number or file number (if known)
The location of the document or person involved
The last known or current address of the registrant

Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Newport County Crime Statistics

The Rhode Island State Police (RISP) publishes crime statistics for all counties through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. In 2020, the total crime count for Newport County was 1,312, the lowest in 10 years. Some offense specifics include 1 kidnapping case, 22 sex offenses, 4 robberies, 56 cases of aggravated assault, 235 simple assaults, 4 arson cases, and 53 burglary reports. The report also revealed 300 cases of larceny, 25 motor vehicle thefts, 110 cases of fraud, 304 destruction or vandalism offenses, and 83 drug/narcotic violations. The RISP's publication further listed 1,731 offenses reported in 2019, and 2,173 in 2015. These figures reveal a crime report reduction of 24.2% over one year and 39.6% over five years.

Are Newport County Criminal Records Public?

Access to Newport County criminal records varies between requests. Through its Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office maintains and issues copies of personal Newport criminal records to interested residents. However, the BCI only entertains third-party requests if the requestor submits a notarized release form signed by the person named on the record. Processing may take seven business days. Interested Newport County residents should complete the BCI's request form available in English and Spanish, and submit with valid photo identification, a self-addressed and stamped return envelope, and a $5 money order or check payable to "BCI." Acceptable forms of identification include a state-issued driver's license, state-issued identification card, or a United States passport. Applications should be forwarded to the:

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Customer Service Center
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 274-4400

How to Obtain Newport County Police Reports and Arrest Records

Persons seeking Newport County arrest records and police reports must contact the law enforcement agency in charge of the arrest or incident. All persons may send mail requests that contain the names of the arrested persons, names of other involved persons, incident dates, and incident descriptions. Several agencies provide law enforcement services for Newport County, depending on the jurisdiction. Interested requestors may send mail requests, visit, or otherwise contact any of the following agencies to obtain police reports or arrest records:

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Newport County

The Rhode Island State Police maintains an online sex offender registry that contains records of sex offenders in the state. All interested persons can find Newport County sex offender records via the provided name or area search options on the registry. Parties can use the name search by entering the offender's first or last name, or the area search by providing an address, city, and zip code. Furthermore, the registry features a city search and allows parties to find records of non-compliant sex offenders. Details available on the registry include each offender's name, classification, physical description, address, registration number, and photograph. The registry also displays other information, such as the person's current status and offense details.

How to Find Newport County Inmate Records

Newport County inmate records are obtainable through the Inmate Search provided by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC). The department maintains statewide records of inmates as the state operates a correctional system where all inmates are under the RIDOC's jurisdiction. To find desired records, parties may enter inmate details such as an inmate ID, last name, first name, race, sex, minimum age, maximum age, and last known city. Details publicly available include a charge description, sentencing details, expected release date, and booking date.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Newport County Jail?

Persons looking to visit a Newport County inmate must book on-site visits with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, or schedule remote visits via the RIDOC's visitation vendor. Visitors may book on-site appointments by contacting the RIDOC using the details below:

Rhode Island Department of Corrections
40 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-1000

All visitors must be on inmates' approved visitation lists and are subject to background checks before receiving the RIDOC's approval. The department will not approve more than 9 names per list, with each visitor only appearing on one list at a time. Visitors who have more than one family member in jail may be approved for multiple lists.

All persons must allow a metal detector search and may also receive pat-downs or hand frisks. Because these searches are not optional, visitors who refuse may be denied entry into the facility. Acceptable visitor ID options include the following:

Military ID card
Driver's license
ID card from the Division of Motor Vehicles, Office of Healthy Aging, or the Department of Transportation

All visitors must be adults, or visit accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minors may also visit accompanied by any adult that presents the minor's birth certificate and a written letter of consent from the minor's parent or guardian.

Persons who prefer remote visits are charged $5 for 20 minutes. All persons must schedule remote visits not less than 24 hours in advance. Visitors should note that fees paid for remote visits are only refundable if the visit does not take place due to a fault from the RIDOC.

Court Records

Newport County has Superior, District, Family, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over all cases, handles felonies and certain misdemeanors, and also shares jurisdiction with Probate Courts over some trust matters.

All other Newport County courts have varying jurisdictions. For instance, the District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over general civil claims with certain limits, and also hears administrative agency appeals, as well as domestic violence protective orders. While Family Courts exercise jurisdiction over divorces, legal separations, juvenile matters, and domestic relations, Probate Courts hear probate of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, administration of estates, and adoptions. Newport County also has Municipal Courts that handle traffic violations and may exercise exclusive jurisdiction over certain traffic cases.

Locations of Courts in Newport County

Newport County Superior Court
Murray Judicial Complex
45 Washington Square
Newport, RI 02480
Phone: (401) 841-8330

Second Division District Court
Murray Judicial Complex
45 Washington Square
Newport, RI 02480
Phone: (401) 841-8350
Fax: (401) 841-8394

Newport County Family Court
Murray Judicial Complex
45 Washington Square
Newport, RI 02480
Phone: (401) 841-8340
Fax: (401) 841-5185

Jamestown Probate Court
93 Narragansett Avenue
Jamestown, RI 02835
Phone: (401) 423-7282

Little Compton Probate Court
40 Commons
Little Compton, RI 02837
Phone: (401) 635-4400

Middletown Probate Court
350 East Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 847-0009

Newport Probate Court
43 Broadway
Newport, RI 02480
Phone: (401) 845-5349

Portsmouth Probate Court
2200 East Main Road
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: (401) 683-2101

Tiverton Probate Court
343 Highland Road
Tiverton, RI 02878
Phone: (401) 625-6703
Fax: (401) 625-6705

Middletown Municipal Court
350 East Main Road
First Floor
Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 847-0009

Newport Municipal Court
43 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 845-5410

Tiverton Municipal Court
343 Highland Road
Tiverton, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 625-6720

Are Newport County Court Records Public?

The Rhode Island Judiciary supports public access to Newport County court records. Interested Newport County residents may request court case information from the overseeing court. All courts have Clerks' Offices that entertain official requests and also provide computer terminals for easy access to Newport County case information. However, record seekers should note that sealed records are not public information.

Can You Look Up a Newport County Court Record Online?

The Rhode Island Judiciary operates an online public portal for access to statewide court records. Anyone may use the provided Smart Search to find records by entering names, record numbers, dates, and other specific case information.

How to Obtain Newport County Civil Court Case Records

All interested persons may use the judiciary's public portal to find Newport County civil court records. Parties may also directly contact the overseeing court for physical copies. Either method requires the record seeker to submit an exhaustive description of the desired record, including names, dates, charge information, and judgment details. Persons requesting physical copies should note that the clerk at each court may request payment before producing copies.

How to Obtain Newport County Criminal Court Case Records

Newport County criminal court records are available at the respective courts. Anyone may submit requests that describe the desired criminal court records and pay request fees to obtain copies. Alternatively, record seekers can visit the applicable courthouse to find records on the provided public computer terminals. Interested persons may also search online through the state judiciary's public portal.

What are Newport County Vital Records?

Newport County vital records are government-generated records that contain information on county life events. These records detail births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, and are available at the county Family Court, town or city Clerks' Offices, or the Rhode Island Department of Health. Applicants should note that Rhode Island law does not permit public access to some Newport vital records.

Where and How to Obtain Newport County Divorce Records?

The Newport County Family Court operates the county's central repository for divorce records. Parties interested in Newport County divorce records should submit written requests or visit the Family Court. Details required of the requestor include the involved parties' names and date of divorce. Applicants should submit requests for Newport County divorce decrees to the Family Court at the following address:

Newport County Family Court
Murray Judicial Complex
45 Washington Square
Newport, RI 02480
Phone: (401) 841-8340
Fax: (401) 841-5185

Newport County divorce records are also available via the public portal provided by the state's judiciary. Interested persons may search for online case information for free.

Where and How to Get Public Newport County Marriage Records

The Rhode Island Department of Health keeps copies of Newport County marriage records. However, marriage records are only public after 100 years from the date of marriage. Persons interested in Newport County marriage certificates may send completed copies of the marriage record application by mail. Each mail request costs $25 for the first copy and $18 for each extra copy ordered on the same day. Payments require checks or money orders made out to the "General Treasurer of RI." Mail requests should be submitted with valid identification to:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
3 Capitol Hill
Room 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5960

Applicants may also submit in-person requests to the above address or any city or town Clerk's Office at $22 for the first copy and $18 for each additional copy purchased on the same day. Applicants requesting in person at the Office of Vital Records may pay via cash, checks, or money orders. Payment methods acceptable at city or town clerk's offices may vary.

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Newport County

All Newport County marriage records are confidential for 100 years after the marriage date. For the first 100 years, the Rhode Island Department of Health restricts access to persons with a direct and tangible interest in the records, including the following:

Either party to the marriage
Either party's parents, guardians, siblings, or authorized agents
Persons requesting to determine personal or property rights
Anyone with a court order allowing access
Title examiners, attorneys-at-law, or members of legal genealogical societies requesting for official business

Each person requesting by mail should submit a marriage record application with valid identification, and a money order or check payable to the "General Treasurer of RI." The first copy of a record requested by mail costs $25 while each additional copy costs $18 if purchased on the same day.

In-person requests are also available at the Department of Health or any town or city Clerk's Office. While the first copy costs $22, each extra copy costs $18 if ordered on the same day. While in-person requestors may pay the department with checks, money orders, or cash, individual Clerk's Offices may specify other payment methods. All mail and in-person requests to the Rhode Island Department of Health should be submitted to the address below:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
3 Capitol Hill
Room 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5960

Where and How to Find Newport County Birth Records

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) maintains Newport County birth records and issues copies to requestors. However, for 100 years after the birth, only the following persons may receive birth records:

The subject of the record
The subject's sibling, parent, guardian, or authorized representative
Anyone requesting to protect or determine personal or property rights
Anyone with a court order granting access
Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, persons conducting official business as members of genealogical societies

All eligible persons may obtain Newport County birth certificates by sending mail requests or placing in-person orders. An interested party may complete the RIDOH's birth record application and send it with valid identification, and a check or money order. The first copy of a Newport birth certificate costs $25 if requested by mail, and $18 for each extra copy ordered on the same day. All checks and money orders should be payable to the "General Treasurer of RI." Applicants should send requests to the:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
3 Capitol Hill
Room 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5960

For in-person requests, interested parties may visit the RIDOH or any of the state's town or city Clerk's Offices. However, in-person requests cost $22 for the first copy and $18 for additional copies of the same record if purchased on the same day. The RIDOH accepts cash, check, or money order payments from in-person requestors. However, town or city Clerk's Offices may have varying payment preferences.

Where and How to Find Newport County Death Records

The Rhode Island Department of Health maintains statewide records of deaths and issues copies to requestors. For 50 years after the date of death, only persons with a direct and tangible interest in the record may obtain copies. Eligible persons include the decedent's parents, siblings, and guardian. Rhode Island law also allows authorized agents, title examiners, attorneys-at-law, and persons requesting for official genealogical purposes. Furthermore, anyone may obtain a record if required to protect property or personal rights, or where there is a court order granting access.

Each applicant may submit a completed death certificate application, valid identification, and a check or money order made out to the "General Treasurer of RI". The RIDOH charges $25 for the first copy of a mail request, and $18 for each subsequent copy ordered on the same day. Mail requests should be submitted to the:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
3 Capitol Hill
Room 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5960

Requestors may also visit the RIDOH at the above address or request in person at any town or city Clerk's Office. Walk-in requests cost $22 for the first copy and $18 for each extra copy of the same record ordered on the same day. In-person requestors may pay with checks, money orders, or cash.