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Newport County District Court Attorney

The Newport County District Court is where arraignments for both felony and misdemeanor charges are heard. There are no jury trials held in this court.

The Newport County Second Division District Court Unit frequently handles cases that involve no-contact orders, bail hearings, probation violation hearings, expungement cases, pre-trial meetings, and a wide range of misdemeanor cases such as drug crimes, harassment or assault charges, disorderly conduct, and trespassing.

Penalties for the misdemeanor cases heard at the Newport District Court can result in up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Rhode Island, it’s important to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to be by your side at an arraignment hearing at a Newport County District Court.

A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the Rhode Island criminal laws, your charges, and your possible best defense to reduce your penalties or have your charges dropped. Call S. Joshua Macktaz Esq. today to schedule a free consultation at (401) 861-1155.

What You Can Expect at a Newport County District Court Arraignment Hearing

You’ll stand before a judge and plead “guilty” or “not guilty” at a Newport County District Court arraignment hearing. Once a judge accepts your plea, you’ll receive a pre-trial hearing date and your bail will be set. If you choose not to hire a criminal defense attorney, you’re placing yourself at a considerable disadvantage at this stage. It’s highly advised to have a Newport County criminal attorney with you at your arraignment hearing. Even if the evidence appears to be stacked against you, it is never advised to simply plead guilty or appear without an attorney.

Posting Bail at the Newport County District Court 

If you plan on posting bail for yourself or another defendant at the Newport County District Court, here’s everything you need to know about these procedures:

  • Pursuant to G.L. 1956 § 2-13-10, any balance of bail funds available after the payment of restitution, fines, and costs, or any other assessments issued by any court within the Rhode Island Judiciary, must be refunded to the defendant or the individual who posted the money on behalf of the defendant.
  • If you are a party posting bail for a defendant at the court, you must have a license or a Rhode Island Identification Card to post bail.
  • If you post bail for a defendant at the prison or at the police station with a Bail Commissioner (Justice of the Peace), any fees that you pay are non-refundable and are not part of your bail.
  • Under G.L. 1956 § 12-10-2(d), a person arrested is afforded the opportunity to be arraigned and released on bail by a Bail Commissioner (Justice of the Peace), when appropriate, if taken into custody when the court is not in session.

Newport County District Court Contact Information

Newport County is one of Rhode Island’s five major counties. It’s home to one of the nation’s top private universities, Salve Regina University. The Newport County District Court can be reached from major highways such as Route 77, Route 24, and Route 81.

Newport County District Court

Directions From Providence, South County, and points West of Newport

Travel on Route 1 to the Route 138 East exit toward the Jamestown and Newport bridges. Take the Route 238 South exit towards scenic Newport. Turn right onto Farewell Street. At the 2nd traffic light, take a right onto America’s Cup Avenue. At the 2nd traffic light, take a left onto West Marlborough Street. Take the 1st right onto Thames Street. At the traffic light, take a left onto Touro Street. The courthouse will be straight ahead on your left.

Directions From Mount Hope Bridge

Travel to Route 138 (approximately 8 miles). Route 138 through Middletown becomes East Main Road. After passing the Aquidneck Center, proceed to the traffic light and turn left onto Broadway. Travel on Broadway for 2 miles and the courthouse will be directly in front of you.

Directions From Route 24

Follow Route 24 South to end. Follow Route 114 South. Pass Stop & Shop (on right), Navy housing (on right), and Bank of Newport (also on right). Go through two (2) lights. After 2nd light, Newport Hospital will be on your left. Continue straight on Broadway. The courthouse will be in front of you.

Address: The Newport County District Court is located at 45 Washington Sq, Newport, RI 02840

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Newport County District Court Phone Number: 401-841-8350

Newport County District Court Defense Attorney 

The Law Firm of S. Joshua Macktaz Esq. can provide an aggressive defense strategy for any criminal case brought forth at the Newport County District Court Second Division. S. Joshua Macktaz Esq. has years of experience as a former prosecutor, which gives him a unique advantage in defending criminal cases in the District Court Second Division. S. Joshua Macktaz Esq. is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your charges with a criminal defense attorney.