Getting arrested is never a fun experience. From processing at the police station to managing court fees and dates, it’s an overwhelming experience.
And if you miss even one deadline or court appearance? Things just get harder. I know because I’ve got 30-plus years of successful experience as an aggressive Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer.
Sometimes, people don’t come to me for help until they’re already in deep. It’s only when the fees pile up and the judge threatens to hold you in contempt of court that you realize how tough this whole process is.
Luckily, in the state of Rhode Island, you have access to a “Public Portal” online. From here, you can find information like your charges, case numbers, upcoming court dates, court debts, payments, and bench warrants.
This knowledge can save you quite a bit of time, money, and stress down the road. That’s why I put together this step-by-step guide on how to look up your own case in Rhode Island.
Information You’ll Need to Look Up Your Case
The state of Rhode Island offers 3 different searches to look up your case online:
- Smart Search lets you search for court records
- Search Hearings lets you search for court hearing in a specific date range
- Make Payments lets you make payments or choose payment alternatives for traffic and criminal cases
You’ll need slightly different information depending on which of the 3 you’re interested in.
To use Smart Search, you only need your case record number or your full name.
To use Search Hearings, you need one of the following:
- Your case record number
- Your name
- The business’s name if one is involved
- Your attorney’s name
- Your attorney’s bar number
- The name of the judicial officer overseeing the hearing
- The courtroom where the hearing took place
To use Make Payments, you need one of the following:
- Your summons number
- Your case record number
- Your name
- The business’s name if a business is involved
- Your driver’s license number
Step-by-Step Instructions to View Your RI Case Online
Now that you have all the necessary information, let’s cover how to look up your own case online in Rhode Island.
- Click here to visit the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal.
- Click the button for whichever information you’d like: Smart Search, Search Hearings, or Make Payments.
- Type in the relevant info. Don’t worry if the only piece of information you have is your name—that’s all you need.
- Click the “I’m not a robot” button if you see it. Most of the time this button will be present, but not always.
- Click the “Submit” button. The search can take up to a few minutes, depending on your connection and how many results the search locates.
- You should see at least 1 result related to you. If you picked Smart Search or Make Payments, you’ll be able to click on each result to get more information. If you picked Search Hearings, the results will just be a list of cases, hearing dates, and locations—you can’t click on anything.
- You can now print our or take notes of any relevant information. If you don’t have your case number written down anywhere, this is a great time to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find your case number in Rhode Island?
You can find your case number in Rhode Island by logging onto the Rhode Island Court portal and performing a Smart Search.
All you have to do is enter your name in the proper format as shown on the Smart Search screen. Once you perform the search and pull up your case record, you’ll see your case number.
Can you look up court cases in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can look up court cases in Rhode Island online, by mail, or in person. Online is by far the fastest and easiest. All you need is your name and a few minutes to get all your info.
However, the portal is designed for use by the parties directly involved in cases and their attorneys. Using the portal to view/manage the case of someone who isn’t you is technically against the Terms of Use.
How do you find court records in Rhode Island?
The most convenient way to find court records in RI is by searching via the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal.
But if you don’t want to use the, you can also visit 150 South Main Street in Providence, RI for the state’s Attorney General’s Office. You’ll need photo ID and a checkbook to pay the $5 fee.
You can also mail your request to this same address. For this route, include a signed, notarized release of information, a copy of your photo ID, a check payable to “BCI” for $5, and a stamped self-addressed envelope for the return of your records.
Where to find additional information about Rhode Island Courts?
You can find additional information about Rhode Island courts on Rhode Island Judiciary website or by calling me at (401) 861-1155 for your free case consultation.
It was easy to learn how to look up your own case online in Rhode Island, right? The thing is, the easy part stops here. Navigating RI’s court system on your own is frustrating at best and nearly impossible at worst.
But I’ve successfully swam in these rivers for 30-plus years. Police officers, judges, and lawyers often refer their loved ones to me for legal representation because I’m so experienced. No matter what charges and penalties you’re facing, I can help.
Your freedom shouldn’t be at risk just because Rhode Island courts are so complicated. Whatever questions or concerns you might have about your case, I’m here for you 24/7. Just call me at (401) 861-1155 to get the expertise you deserve.
What is the Rhode Island court case lookup?
The Rhode Island court case lookup is part of the state’s Public Portal system. This online platform allows individuals to access their court records, look for upcoming hearings, and even make payments related to their traffic and criminal cases.
How can I use the Public Portal to access online court records?
You can access online court records through the Public Portal by using your case record number or your full name. If you don’t have your case record number, the system includes a Smart Search function that allows you to find it using your name.
What information can I find through the Rhode Island court case lookup?
The Rhode Island court case lookup allows you to find important details about your case, including charges, upcoming court dates, court debts, payments, and bench warrants.
Can I use the Public Portal to make payments for my case?
Yes, the Public Portal has a feature that allows you to make payments for traffic and criminal cases. You will need your summons number, case record number, or your name to use this feature.
Can the Public Portal help me find when my next court hearing is?
Yes, the Public Portal includes a Search Hearings feature that allows you to look for court hearings within a specific date range. You will need your case record number, name, attorney’s name, or other relevant information to use this feature.
