Rhode Island § 12-13-4 - Bail and Recognizance

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-13-4 — Bail and Recognizance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-13-4. Bail and Recognizance

R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-4

§ 12-13-4. Persons authorized to bail jail prisoners.

(a) No person imprisoned in jail upon any criminal process shall be bailed, except by a justice of the supreme or superior court, or by the justice of the district court by which the person was committed, or by some person specially appointed for that purpose by a justice of the superior court; provided, that if the amount of bail for the prisoner has previously been set, then the bail shall be taken by the justice of the peace, duly authorized, or by the senior prison officer in charge at the adult correctional institution, if the prisoner or his or her counsel request the bail be taken.

(b) In all cases where bail is taken at the adult correctional institutions, an administrative fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be paid to the department of corrections by each person bailed and shall be deposited as general revenues.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 15; C.P.A. 1905, § 1183; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 20; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 12-13-4; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 20; P.L. 1970, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 35, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-13-4

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-13-4 cover?

Section 12-13-4 ("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 § 12-13-4?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-13-4" (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 § 12-13-4 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.