Rhode Island has confusing public access record laws, and therefore they do not have a public website where you can go to check out someone’s criminal history. You can contact the courts or local police, and you may or may not be able to access the information you want. They do have a case search portal where you can enter a person’s name and see if any matches come up. You can also use one of the many third-party search options online to find someone’s criminal record.
Although Rhode Island does have an online system where you can search for court records, it is used for district and local criminal charges and cases only. You can search by location, type, attorney, or use a date range. For federal cases, you should use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system (PACER) system. You can also visit the courthouse in person for copies of records. You will have to wait while they pull them and pay a small fee.
Rhode Island has two options for criminal records, expungement, and sealing. The only thing is, you have to be a first-offender to be eligible. Your crime cannot be of a violent nature either. If you were found not guilty or never charged, then your record can be sealed. If you were convicted, then you must apply for expungement instead. You must first pay all fines or fees and then wait either five, six or ten years depending on the offense.
Government agencies, licensing institutions, banks, gun dealers and the general public can all legally access your criminal background without any special permission. You have the right to request a copy of your own criminal history at any time also. You can also search online using government resources or online search portals to get a full report.
There are many reasons why someone would search for your criminal charges. Landlords use them when renting property. Other good reasons someone might check out your criminal history are before dating, buying or selling something online or when getting a new babysitter or nanny to watch your kids.
The types of criminal records you will find when requesting a report are felonies, misdemeanors, and sex crimes. You will also see arrests, charges, convictions, dispositions, sentencing, fines, bail and bond and also incarcerations. General demographic information like name, address, phone, gender, race, age, and physical description will be on there too.
Men and women of law enforcement create Rhode Island criminal records as they assist criminals through the system. From the time of the initial arrest, the paperwork trail begins — the original RAP sheet along with all other forms and reports that are filled out concerning that one person, becomes their criminal history report.
