Washington County District Court Attorney

The Washington County District Court is where those facing misdemeanor or felony charges will attend arraignment hearings. Jury trials will not be heard at a District court. All jury trials will be heard at a Rhode Island Superior Court. The Washington County Fourth Division District Unit typically hears cases involving bail hearings, probation violation hearings, no-contact orders, pre-trial meetings, expungement hearings, and misdemeanor cases such as disorderly conduct, trespassing, harassment, assault charges, and various drug crimes. Misdemeanor cases heard at the Washington County District Court can lead to penalties resulting in up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

It’s highly recommended to contact a criminal defense attorney if you’re required to attend an arraignment hearing at the Washington County District Court. An experienced Washington County criminal lawyer can guide you through the process, help you understand the extent of your charges, and advise you on a proper defense strategy. Call S. Joshua Macktaz Esq. today at (401) 861-1155 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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

At a Washington County Fourth Division District Court Unit arraignment hearing, you’ll stand before a judge and plead “guilty” or “not guilty”. 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 an attorney, and you plead guilty, you’ll risk facing the most severe penalties and punishments associated with your charges. It’s highly advised to have a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney with you at your arraignment hearing. Even if the evidence appears to be stacked against you, a criminal defense lawyer can help provide options and strong legal support.

Posting Bail at the Washington County District Court

If you plan on posting bail for yourself or another defendant at the Washington County District Court, here’s what 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.

Washington County District Court Contact Information

Washington County, also known as South County, is one of Rhode Island’s five major counties and is filled with rich culture and historic sites. It’s also home to one of Rhode Island’s best public universities, the University of Rhode Island.

The Washington County District Court is located in the same location as the Washington County Superior Court and can be reached from major highways such as I-95 and US1.

Directions From points North of Wakefield

Take Interstate 95 to Route 4 South (Exit 9). Route 4 South will merge with Route 1 South. Take the exit marked “Stedman Government Center. McGrath Judicial Complex.” Follow road to left side of complex.

Directions From Westerly and South Coastal Rhode Island

Take Route 1 North to the exit marked “Stedman Government Center. McGrath Judicial Complex.” Follow road to left side of complex.

DISTRICT COURT(Fourth Division) – Clerk’s Office

Address: The Washington County District Court is located at 4800 Tower Hill Road Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879

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

Washington County District Court Phone Number: (401) 782-4131

Contact persons for : Donna Avella, Christine Harrington, or Cathy Mistrick