Legal
Rhode Island laws, tenant rights, courts, and legal resources.
32 articles
Rhode Island marijuana cannabis laws 2026
As of 2026, adults 21 and older in Rhode Island can legally purchase, possess, and use recreational marijuana under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, which took effect in May 2022. Adults can possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants at home (12 per household), while licensed retail dispensaries operate throughout the state selling cannabis products with a 20% retail excise tax plus 7% state sales tax. Medical marijuana patients with valid registry identification cards continue to have access to the state's medical program with different possession limits and lower taxes.
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.
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 speeding fines and penalties 2026
Rhode Island speeding fines in 2026 range from $85 to $500 depending on speed and location, with violations typically assessed 2-5 points on your driving record. First-time speeding tickets for speeds under 10 mph over the limit start at $85, while excessive speeding (20+ mph over) can result in $190-$500 fines, mandatory court appearances, and potential license suspension. Rhode Island also implements doubled fines in construction and school zones, making violations particularly costly on busy corridors like Route 95, Route 6, and Route 295.
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 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.
Best immigration lawyers in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has several highly-regarded immigration lawyers and firms, including Castronovo & McKinney, LLC in Providence, which has been serving immigrants for over 25 years; the Law Office of Karen L. Galatz in Warwick, specializing in family-based immigration; and the Mignanelli & Associates, LLP in Providence, known for both immigration and international law. These attorneys are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and handle cases ranging from family petitions and work visas to deportation defense and asylum applications.
Rhode Island bankruptcy guide 2026
Rhode Island bankruptcy cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island, located at 380 Westminster Street in Providence. As of 2026, Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees are $338 and Chapter 13 fees are $313, with additional costs for mandatory credit counseling (approximately $25-50) and attorney fees typically ranging from $1,200-$3,500 depending on case complexity. Rhode Island uses federal bankruptcy exemptions, which allow debtors to protect up to $27,900 in home equity, $4,450 in vehicle equity, and $1,875 in personal property per item as of 2024-2026 adjustments.
Rhode Island probate court guide 2026
Rhode Island has 39 cities and towns, but probate matters are handled through a unified Probate Court system with offices in each county: Providence County (at both the Licht Judicial Complex in Providence and the Kent County Courthouse in Warwick), Newport County (Newport), Washington County (West Kingstown), and Bristol County (Bristol). As of 2026, probate filing fees in Rhode Island start at $100 for small estates under $15,000 and range up to $600 for larger estates, with the probate process typically taking 9-18 months depending on the estate's complexity.
Rhode Island employment law basics 2026
Rhode Island employment law in 2026 provides workers with significant protections including a minimum wage of $14.00 per hour, mandatory paid leave under the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act, anti-discrimination protections through the Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act, and specific regulations on wage payment, overtime, and workplace safety. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, headquartered at 1511 Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, enforces these laws and handles complaints from workers across the state.