Legal
Rhode Island laws, tenant rights, courts, and legal resources.
30 articles
Rhode Island consumer protection laws guide
Rhode Island consumer protection laws are primarily enforced by the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit, located at 150 South Main Street in Providence. The state's primary consumer protection statute is the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act (RIGL §6-13.1), which prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices and allows consumers to recover damages, attorney's fees, and in some cases treble damages. Rhode Island also has specific consumer protection laws covering areas like door-to-door sales, credit transactions, home repair contractors, and retail installment sales.
Rhode Island discrimination laws guide
Rhode Island's discrimination laws, enforced primarily through the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR), prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, country of ancestral origin, and domestic abuse victim status in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. The state's Fair Employment Practices Act and Fair Housing Practices Act provide some of the broadest protections in the nation, including being the first state to ban discrimination based on gender identity or expression in 2001. Violations can result in compensatory damages, civil penalties, and injunctive relief through administrative proceedings or civil court.
How to report a scam in Rhode Island
Rhode Island residents can report scams to the Rhode Island Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit by calling (401) 274-4400 or filing a complaint online at riag.ri.gov. You should also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and, if the scam involved money transfers or identity theft, contact your local police department and the three major credit bureaus immediately. For scams involving older Rhode Islanders, the Rhode Island Alliance for Healthy Aging operates a helpline at (401) 785-3340.
Rhode Island eviction process explained 2026
The Rhode Island eviction process in 2026 requires landlords to provide written notice (typically 20 days for non-payment of rent or 30 days for other lease violations), then file a complaint with the District Court serving their municipality, paying a $60 filing fee. After the tenant receives the summons, a hearing is scheduled within 10-20 days, and if the landlord wins, they receive a judgment allowing the sheriff or constable to physically remove the tenant typically 5 days after the judgment, though this timeline can extend to 30-60 days depending on court backlogs and procedural delays.
Rhode Island DUI laws and penalties 2026
Rhode Island enforces strict DUI laws with penalties that escalate significantly for repeat offenses. A first-time DUI conviction carries fines ranging from $100 to $500, possible jail time of up to one year, a license suspension of 30 to 180 days, and mandatory alcohol education programs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers, with enhanced penalties for BAC levels of 0.15% or higher.
Rhode Island small claims court guide 2026
Rhode Island small claims court allows individuals and businesses to resolve disputes involving $2,500 or less without hiring an attorney. Cases are heard in the District Court in the county where the defendant lives or does business, with filing fees of $35 for claims up to $500 and $45 for claims between $501 and $2,500. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks from filing to hearing, and decisions are legally binding with enforcement options available through the court.
Rhode Island legal aid resources 2026
Rhode Island offers several free and low-cost legal aid resources in 2026, with Rhode Island Legal Services (401-274-2652) serving as the primary provider for civil legal matters for low-income residents. Additional support comes from the Rhode Island Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service (401-421-7758), the Center for Justice (401-491-1101), and specialized clinics at Roger Williams University School of Law and the University of Rhode Island. Most services require applicants to meet income eligibility guidelines, typically at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.
Rhode Island estate planning basics guide
Estate planning in Rhode Island involves creating legal documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to manage your assets and healthcare decisions. Rhode Island has specific probate laws, including a simplified probate process for estates under $15,000 and no state estate tax since 2010, though federal estate tax may apply to estates exceeding $13.61 million (2024). Working with a Rhode Island-licensed estate planning attorney ensures your documents comply with state law and protect your family's interests.
Rhode Island workers compensation guide
Rhode Island workers' compensation is a mandatory insurance system that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. All Rhode Island employers with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance through private carriers or self-insurance, administered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Workers' Compensation Division located at 1 Dorrance Plaza in Providence. Injured workers typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage (up to a maximum set annually) and full coverage of medical expenses related to their workplace injury.
How to get a restraining order in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can obtain a restraining order by filing a petition at the District Court or Family Court in the county where you or the respondent lives. You'll need to complete the appropriate forms, appear before a judge (often on the same day for emergency orders), and demonstrate that you've been a victim of domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment. The process is free, and temporary orders can be issued immediately, with full hearings scheduled within 21 days to determine if a final restraining order should be granted for up to one year.
How to write a will in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can write a valid will if you're at least 18 years old and of sound mind by either handwriting it (holographic will), typing it and having two competent witnesses sign in your presence, or working with an attorney. Rhode Island law (Title 33, Chapter 5 of the General Laws) doesn't require notarization for a basic will, though adding a self-proving affidavit can streamline probate at the Rhode Island Probate Court. The state recognizes both self-made wills and attorney-drafted documents as long as they meet formal requirements.
How to expunge a record in Rhode Island
Rhode Island allows expungement of criminal records under specific circumstances outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3. Individuals may file a petition with the Superior Court in the county where they were arrested or convicted, with eligibility depending on factors including the type of offense, time elapsed since conviction or dismissal, and criminal history. Filing fees are typically $120, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.