How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Rhode Island?

By David Ellison

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Mar 19, 2026

Facing a criminal charge in Rhode Island can be very overwhelming and it’s normal to wonder what the process is like and how long it is going to take. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may take some time until you see a final resolution.

There are several factors that will affect the timeline of your criminal charge including how severe the charges are, whether the case goes to trial, whether there are legal or factual issues that need to be addressed through a motion to dismiss or a motion to suppress, whether there are issues with witnesses, the amount of discovery there is, and many other factors. After your arraignment, the legal process and procedure could take weeks, months, or years.

It’s crucial to understand each stage of the criminal process in order to be aware of your rights. If you have received a criminal charge in Rhode Island, the attorneys at Ellison Law LLC are here to help you with your case. Contact us today so we can help you navigate the legal system.

Types of Criminal Charges in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, there are different categories for criminal charges: misdemeanors and felonies. It’s important to know these categories because they will help to differentiate the severity of the penalties.

Misdemeanors are considered minor criminal offenses with lower penalties. Usually, they have penalties of up to one year of jail time, fines that go up to $1,000 and other penalties, such as probation time, community service, being enrolled in a particular program, etc. Some examples of common misdemeanor charges include:

• Simple assault
• Disorderly Conduct
• Vandalism
• First offense reckless driving
• First offense DUI
• Trespassing

Felonies are considered more serious criminal offenses that are punished for more than one year of jail time, fines above $1,000 and have long term consequences such as having a permanent criminal conviction. Some examples of felonies are:

• Felony assault
• Felony larceny
• Breaking and entering
• Possession of a firearm

Depending on the circumstances of your charges and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, it may significantly impact how long your case will take to resolve since each particular case follows a different process and has different timelines.

What Happens During a Criminal Trial in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, a criminal trial is a legal proceeding in which prosecutors present evidence that a person committed a crime, the defense challenges that evidence, and a judge or jury determines if you’re not guilty or guilty. It’s important to know that not all cases go through the full trial process because many cases are resolved far before the trial begins, through a plea agreement, amendment, or a dismissal.

A criminal case typically follows this process: 

• Arrest and arraignment: after you’re arrested, you will have an arraignment. It’s your first court appearance and your charges will be formally read to you.
• Pretrial conference: These are court dates where the prosecutors, the defense team and the judge discuss how your criminal case will continue. It is used as a way to address preliminary issues like discovery and negotiate a resolution, either a plea, amendment, or dismissal.
• Trial and Verdict: if the case cannot be resolved at the pretrial conference, the prosecutors and the defense will present their findings to the judge or jury at a trial. They will then deliver a decision based on the evidence. If you’re found not guilty, the case will end there.
• If you’re convicted, Sentencing and Post-trial options: if you’re found guilty then there will be a sentencing phase, where the judge will determine the penalties based on the charges. Here, your attorney may pursue appeals or post conviction relief.

Each stage of a criminal case is vital to ensure fairness and due process during your entire case and during trial. This is why it’s important to have a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable in the process, like the attorneys at Ellison Law LLC. Contact us so we can help you to protect your rights during this difficult process.

What is an Arraignment in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, the arraignment process will be your first court appearance where the judge will formally read your charges and will ask you to enter a plea. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest).  If you plead not guilty, bail for your case may be set and the case continues on to a pretrial conference. Whether you are given bail depends on the type of case and your circumstances.

If you choose to plead guilty or nolo contendere, you are formally admitting to the charges and you will be sentenced, waiving your rights for your legal process. This means that you won’t have a pre trial conference or trial and you’re moving your case to the sentencing phase. Then, the judge will decide your punishment.

What is a Pretrial Conference in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island a pretrial conference serves as an opportunity for the defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge to meet and discuss the status of your case, this court appearance usually happens a few weeks after your arraignment. If you are charged with a felony, it will be a few weeks after you are arraigned in Superior Court. The main purpose of a pretrial conference is to resolve preliminary issues and, potentially, lead to an early resolution to your case.

During the pretrial conference, the process may include:

• An exchange of evidence known as discovery
• Filing motions to dismiss or suppress evidence
• Identify witness or scheduling issues
• Address illegal searches or constitutional concerns
• Discuss and negotiate a potential plea agreement or dismissal

Pretrial conferences are critical for most cases because if your defense attorney is able to successfully negotiate on your behalf, it could lead to reduced or amended charges or even a complete dismissal of your charges, saving time, money and stress.

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Rhode Island?

The length of your criminal case will vary depending on your circumstances, the facts of the case, and how complex the issues are. Misdemeanor cases tend to resolve much faster than felony cases. Generally speaking, criminal cases can take weeks, months, or even years. The Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorneys at Ellison Law LLC look at all the evidence and take time to make sure your case is being negotiated properly. This includes the circumstances of your arrest or indictment, the arraignment, all the pretrial conferences, gathering the discovery, making a defense for your case, negotiations, moving forward with your trial or not and your sentencing.

If negotiations weren’t possible during your case and it moves to trial, a trial may last one day or stretch between several weeks depending on the bulk of the evidence, witnesses and other elements. Ultimately, the entire criminal trial process could potentially take from several months to a few years. Bear in mind that your defense attorney will actively work towards defending your rights during the entire process.

What Should I Do if I Receive a Criminal Charge in Rhode Island?

We understand how complex the legal system is in Rhode Island. If you receive a criminal charge in Rhode Island, contact the Rhode Island criminal defense attorneys at Ellison Law LLC today so we can help you to defend your rights.