In most states, you will find that court records are readily available. In fact, the laws associated with public records in some states are so lenient that just about anything you could possibly want to know about an individual can be found on file. However, gaining access to Rhode Island court records is a little different from other states across the country. You will find that in the state of Rhode Island, several safeguards are in place to prevent access to court records.

Early in 2011, Rhode Island's new governor put a number of discretionary choices by the authorities in the state, making it rather difficult for the public to gain access to Rhode Island court records. In addition, the changes made are rather vague, which makes it possible for the court to deny you access to records that you should legally have the right to review.

How to Gain Access to Rhode Island Court Records

If you need to obtain access to Rhode Island court records, you can contact the court in charge of the case files you seek directly. Most of the time, you will be able to gain access to the court records that you want.

The official website for the Rhode Island Judiciary provides online access to a number of Rhode Island court records. You can perform a search by using the name of the defendant in the case or the case identification number. In addition, you can also search Rhode Island court records online by going to the official website for the individual county.

If you are denied access to the Rhode Island court records that you need, and you are unable to find the information you seek over the Internet, you have one more option available to you. You can file an appeal. Keep in mind, however, that the process of filing an appeal may be difficult and time consuming. On the other hand, most individuals find that the process is worth the effort when they are eventually able to access the Rhode Island court records they want.

Know the Court

Just as with any other state, if you want to gain access to Rhode Island court records, you must first understand the state's court system. Although Rhode Island is one of the smallest states in the country, both in population as well as land mass, the state's judicial system has a website that provides a great deal of information to those who seek access to court records.

The trial court system in the state of Rhode Island consists of district courts, probate courts, workers' compensation courts, superior courts, family courts, municipal courts and traffic tribunals.

Most of the time, you will be able to find the Rhode Island court records by going through the specific superior court, district court or municipal court responsible for storing files related to the case in question.

Searching for Rhode Island court records is a long process that can become quite frustrating, especially if you do not have the basic details necessary to begin your search successfully. However, with a few minor details and access to the Internet, you should be able to find the court records that you need quickly and easily.

• Rhode Island General Assembly

• Rhode Island State Court Districts