Washington County
The court structure of Washington County is made up of six key courts, including the Superior Court, District Court, Family Court, Probate Courts, Municipal Courts, and Traffic Tribunal. The Washington Superior Court has original jurisdiction in felony cases, equity matters, and civil lawsuits where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000.
The initial arraignment and bail hearings on felonies are conducted in the District Court. This court monitors felony cases before they are transferred to the Superior Court and handles misdemeanors punishable by one year of jail term. The Family Court addresses complex family issues involving child custody, paternity, adoption, spousal support, and divorce.
Washington Probate Courts are concerned with the settling of financial matters related to an estate, trust administration, probate of wills, and the appointment of guardians or conservators for elderly persons and minors. Municipal Courts in Washington County, like those located in Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingston, and Westerly, determine cases of town ordinance violations and traffic violations. These courts have the authority to impose fines of up to $500 or to sentence offenders to a maximum of 30 days in jail.
The Traffic Tribunal has jurisdiction over the civil traffic offenses committed within Washington County. It can impose fines, suspend or revoke driving privileges, and process traffic citations from the Municipal Courts.
Washington County public court records are kept by the respective court clerks where the case was originally filed. Court Clerks maintain both paper and electronic case documents, which are mostly available for public inspection unless sealed or deemed confidential by court rules. Additionally, the public can access all electronic documents filed in a case by using the public access terminals provided in the respective clerks' offices.
In the relevant courthouse, Washington County residents can access these publicly available court records:
- Civil court record
- Criminal court record
- Traffic violation record
- Family court record (excluding adoption record)
- Probate court record
Lastly, the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal offers the public remote access to case information, displayed as docket sheets or register of actions. However, access to actual court records is only available at public access terminals located in the Clerk's Office.
