Rhode Island § 12-7-12 - Arrest
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-7-12 — Arrest, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-7-12. Arrest
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-7-12
§ 12-7-12. Release of arrested person by officer.
(a) The officer in charge of any police station shall consider the release of any person in his or her station who has been arrested without a warrant:
(1) Without requiring the person to appear in court, when the officer is satisfied that there is no ground for making criminal complaint against the person or when the person has been arrested for drunkenness but in the judgment of the officer need not be brought before a magistrate; or
(2) If the arrest is for a misdemeanor, upon that person signing an agreement to appear in court at a designated time.
(b) Any officer with custody of a person who has been arrested or detained without a warrant may recognize that the person suffers from a serious mental illness and may release and refer the person to the nearest appropriate inpatient mental health facility or outpatient treatment program.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 75; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 75; G.L.
1938, ch. 625, § 68; P.L. 1941, ch. 982, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-7-12; P.L. 2017, ch.
342, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 353, § 2.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-7-12
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-7-12 cover?
Section 12-7-12 ("Arrest") 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 § 12-7-12?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-7-12" (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 § 12-7-12 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.