Bail After an Arrest
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1 — release on recognizance with surety, and pretrial release without bail on conditions
A person held to answer a complaint or indictment is released on giving recognizance with sufficient surety, in the sum named in the process or one the justice deems reasonable, to appear when called and keep the peace in the meantime.
Release without bail. Unless otherwise provided, a detainee who fails to post bail is eligible for pretrial release or reduced bail. Pretrial release is release without bail on conditions the court sets, to secure appearance and protect the community.
The department of corrections gathers the detainee's background for the court: family, work, health, education, record, past appearances and ties to the community.
Some charges carry their own rules on bail. A particular case is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1 — Right to release pending trial on giving of recognizance
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 — Pretrial release
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.