Rhode Island Criminal Records

Are criminal records public in Rhode Island?

The State of Rhode Island has an open policy regarding criminal background record checks. The State of Rhode Island's Office of the Attorney General is the office in charge of the Bureau of Criminal Identification. This bureau is the one responsible for managing and handling all kinds of criminal records to private citizens, companies, and law enforcement agencies.

How do I search for criminal records in Rhode Island?

The Bureau of Criminal Identification offers access to their criminal history reports database to any requester, as long as they provide the necessary identification and paperwork. If the requester wants their own personal record, this can be achieved quickly by going in person to the Bureau of Criminal Identification's office, providing identification, and paying the $5 fee. Orders by mail will be ready in about a week and have the same cost. When it comes to requesting a criminal history check for a third party, a release form properly signed by the subject of the report is mandatory.

How far does a criminal background check go in Rhode Island?

A criminal background check typically only goes back seven years in Rhode Island. However, there is not a specific state law that reinforces this, and employers can technically search further back. Certain states have been adopting a "seven-year law," which specifically prevents this. However, Rhode Island has not implemented this at the time of this writing.

Can employers see your criminal record in Rhode Island?

Employers in Rhode Island must comply with a "ban-the-box" law, where they cannot inquire about prior convictions or arrests until they have had their first interview with the applicant. This was put into place to protect people with criminal records who may still be good employees.

Do arrests show up on background checks in Rhode Island?

It is not certain that arrests will show up on a criminal history report. It depends on the service that they use. The best thing to do is to try and get an arrest expunged or sealed. Employers are not allowed to inquire about arrests either.

Are arrest records public in Rhode Island?

Due to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records, arrests are able to be viewed by anyone and are public knowledge. This has been controversial because having an arrest on your record can be detrimental in certain aspects of people's lives, like applying for a job.

How do I get my arrest record expunged in Rhode Island?

You can petition to have your arrest record expunged in Rhode Island. Additionally, if you were "wrongfully arrested," meaning the police officer mistook you for someone else, then the arrest will be sealed within 60 days.

How long do you have to wait to get your record expunged in Rhode Island?

Being eligible for expungement in Rhode Island depends on the severity of the crime that was committed. Misdemeanors can be expunged after five years of completing the sentence, and only one felony can be expunged after ten years from completing the sentence.

What felonies can be expunged in Rhode Island?

Only non-violent felonies are able to be expunged in Rhode Island. Additionally, you can't have any prior convictions on your record in order to expunge your felony. DUI offenses and domestic violence offenses are unable to expunged as well.

What misdemeanors can be expunged in Rhode Island?

Almost all misdemeanors can be expunged in Rhode Island. However, the waiting period increases for every misdemeanor committed after the first one to ten years. After your 6th misdemeanor, you are ineligible for expungement.

How do I file an expungement in Rhode Island?

To file for expungement, you must file a petition to the court in Rhode Island that heard your case. There will be a hearing, and the prosecutor must be notified. You also have to notify the Attorney General at least ten days before the hearing.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Rhode Island?

Getting a lawyer is highly recommended for the expungement process. There are a lot of legal procedures that need to be done in a timely manner, which a lawyer is an expert in doing. They will also increase the chances of the expungement actually succeeding.

Are police records public in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island State Police Department is required to keep their records public and provide them to anyone who asks. This is to hold the police accountable and keep people informed about anyone who might be on a police record.

How do I find conviction records in Rhode Island?

A history of someone's convictions will most commonly be found in a criminal background check, which can be done through the Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Information or through a third-party website. However, convictions will also be found in inmate records, court records, and police reports.

What's the difference between arrest and conviction records in Rhode Island?

An arrest is when you were arrested and charged with a crime in Rhode Island. If the court decides you are not guilty or the case is dismissed, then you were never proven to have committed that crime. A conviction is when you plead guilty to a crime, or the court finds you guilty. This always involves a fine or jail time and is harder to get off of your record.

Are mugshots public record in Rhode Island?

Mugshots will be contained in criminal records, whether it is accessed through the Rhode Island Police Department or through the Rhode Island courts. Mugshots can also be found on online background checks because they are public information.

How long does expungement take in Rhode Island?

Expungement can take months in Rhode Island. Depending on how busy the courts are, the hearing date for the expungement could be set long after you petition for it, and the gathering of the official records and paperwork can take some time too.

Are inmate records public in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections also offers some information on inmate and jail records. The Department's website features an inmate search option that allows the user to look up their inmate database. The search engine has multiple search options; it is possible to search by name, last known town of residence, age range, inmate ID code, or limited physical description. However, the returned records are quite limited. They don't feature a picture or physical description, just a list of offenses committed, judicial disposition, bail amount (where appropriate), and sentences. Check out the Rhode Island Department of Correction's website for more information on the Inmate Search engine.

Is the sex offender registry public in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, only more severe sex offenders will be posted on the registry. These include Level 2 and Level 3 offenders, whereas Level 1 offenders are not required to register. Registered sex offenders must notify local communities when they move and can be found on sex offender locators.

What is Megan's Law in Rhode Island?

While it is not called Megan's Law in Rhode Island, all states have adopted some form of the law where sex offenders are publicly kept track of and categorized by how dangerous they could be. The sexual murder of Megan Kanka started the idea to enact these laws.

How do I find the sex offender registry in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's sex offender registry's online presence is clear and functional. Instead of featuring a search engine, it gives the user some listing options, such as the location or risk level of the offender, and returns a complete list. That doesn't make it easy to locate a specific offender but gives a broad spectrum of information to the user. The reports are brief and concise, detailing personal information on the offender, a description of the offense and the victim, and whether the offender is wanted by the police. Visit their website to learn more about the Rhode Island sex offender registry.

What counts as a misdemeanor in Rhode Island?

A misdemeanor is a low-level crime in Rhode Island that is only punishable by up to a year in jail. Misdemeanors are a lot easier to get off of your record after committing them as compared to felonies. Examples of misdemeanors include DUI, shoplifting, assault, and petty theft.

What counts as a felony in Rhode Island?

Felonies in Rhode Island are crimes that can be punished by more than a year in prison and one thousand dollars in fines. There are no classes of felonies in Rhode Island, and each felony has a different minimum sentence and a different maximum sentence. It is up to the judge to decide what the sentence in that range should be. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, robbery, and burglary.

How do I find court records in Providence County?

Court records and case records can be accessed either at a local courthouse in Providence County or on the statewide Rhode Island court website. Court records contain information such as the proceedings of the court, criminal information, and probation and parole information.

Do juveniles have criminal records in Rhode Island?

Unless the offense was very serious, juvenile records are not kept in Rhode Island. This is in order to protect juveniles who could have just made a poor decision as a teenager or child and shouldn't be hindered by a criminal record to start their careers.