Rhode Island § 45-2-14 - General Powers

§ 45-2-14. City of Central Falls — Police court.

(a) The city council of the city of Central Falls may by ordinance confer upon the police court of the city of Pawtucket original jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal causes involving the violation of any ordinance of the city of Central Falls; provided, that any defendant found guilty of any offense within the jurisdiction by the court may within seven (7) days of the conviction file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(b) The city council of the city of Central Falls is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the procedure to be followed in the court, the appointment of personnel, and the duties and qualifications of personnel, to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court not inconsistent with Pawtucket ordinances governing court management.

(c) The police court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt. The court is to be held in the city of Pawtucket.