Rhode Island District Attorneys

Rhode Island is unique in that the Attorney General's office prosecutes all crimes within the state. This is primarily due to the small geographical area of Rhode Island, which has just five counties. Rhode Island is less than half the size of Delaware, which is the second-smallest state in terms of square footage.

So, if you're looking for information about your local Rhode Island district attorney, you'll want to search for the Attorney General instead. This article focuses on how crimes are prosecuted in the state of Rhode Island. It includes links to helpful resources.

Rhode Island Attorney General's Office

Because there are no D.A.s in Rhode Island, the state's Attorney General's Office handles all prosecutorial duties within the state. As in all other states, the Attorney General ("A.G.") is elected. The A.G. holds the highest prosecutorial position in the state. They prosecute all felony cases and misdemeanor appeals. They handle administration of the criminal justice system in Rhode Island. They also assist law enforcement and police departments in criminal law matters across the state.

Other duties include:

• Representation of Rhode Island (and its other agencies) in matters of litigation
• The initiation of legal actions to protect state residents, such as lawsuits to protect aggrieved consumers
• Management of the state's Bureau of Criminal Identification

Attorneys General handle prosecution for all criminal offenses. Examples of these include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Disorderly conduct
• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault

The office of the Attorney General also handles expungement. Expungement is the removal of criminal offenses from a person's criminal record.

Being Charged With a Crime in Rhode Island

If you've been arrested for a felony offense, you'll first appear before a district court judge to set bail (or to release you on your own recognizance). Meanwhile, the Attorney General's office will determine whether there's enough probable cause to charge you with a felony formally. They have as many as six months to make this decision.

If charges are filed, you'll be arraigned at court. You'll enter a formal plea, and if you plead not guilty, your pre-trial conference will be scheduled. At this meeting, your attorney and the state's attorney assigned to the case will review the evidence. If there's no resolution before trial (such as a plea deal), then your case will be scheduled for trial.

If you're arrested for a misdemeanor, you'll also be processed at the police station. But you won't be subject to detainment. The rest of the process is similar to that of a felony charge.

Related Resources

If you're facing criminal charges in Rhode Island, you'll want to prepare for your case and become familiar with the criminal justice system. The following resources will help you:

• Adult Diversion Unit
• Adult Drug Court
• Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Unit

Get Professional Legal Help With Your Rhode Island Criminal Case

Although Rhode Island doesn't have district attorneys, crimes are still prosecuted in the state. If you're on the wrong side of the law and facing charges, working with a legal professional is in your best interests. Get started today and contact an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense attorney.

You still have other options if you can't afford an attorney. You could contact the office of the public defender. At the office of the public defender, attorneys can provide legal assistance to qualifying people with low income. You could also contact Rhode Island Legal Services. This nonprofit organization staffs attorneys who can also provide free or low-cost help in resolving your legal issues. If you need referrals for attorneys, you could also contact the Rhode Island Bar Association. They can provide free referrals.

Dealing with the criminal court system is difficult. So, working with a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer is important. They can help you come up with a defense strategy and resolve your case. Whether you're going through arraignment or a jury trial, get the help you need. Whether you're in Newport County, Washington County, Kent County, Providence, or elsewhere, it's important you find a licensed criminal defense lawyer. Legal representation is a must when you're facing charges or are on trial for a criminal offense.