Rhode Island § 12-13-16 - Bail and Recognizance
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-13-16 — Bail and Recognizance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-13-16. Bail and Recognizance
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-16
§ 12-13-16. Process on default of recognizance.
(a) Whenever any person under recognizance shall fail to perform the condition of his or her recognizance, or failed to appear as required by the terms and conditions of his or her bail or recognizance, the default shall be recorded and process shall be issued against the persons bound in the recognizance, or those of them as the attorney general shall direct.
(b) No process for forfeiture of bail nor any petition for forfeiture of bail may be filed by the attorney general, or designee, or otherwise initiated prior to the expiration of forty-five (45) days after any warrant issued by any court has been entered into the court’s database, the database of the bureau of criminal identification (BCI) for the state of Rhode Island, and the database for the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 25; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 25; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 23; P.L.
1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 23; G.L. 1956,
§ 12-13-16; P.L. 2017, ch. 415, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-13-16
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-13-16 cover?
Section 12-13-16 ("Bail and Recognizance") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 12-13-16?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-13-16" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 12-13-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.