Rhode Island § 12-5-2 - Search Warrants

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-5-2 — Search Warrants, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-5-2. Search Warrants

R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-5-2

§ 12-5-2. Grounds for issuance.

A warrant may be issued under this chapter to search for and seize any of the following:

(1) Property stolen or embezzled, or obtained by any false pretense, or pretenses, with intent to cheat or defraud within this state, or elsewhere;

(2) Property kept, suffered to be kept, concealed, deposited, or possessed in violation of law, or for the purpose of violating the law;

(3) Property designed or intended for use, or that is or has been used, in violation of law, or as a means of committing a violation of law;

(4) Property that is evidence of the commission of a crime;

(5) Samples of blood, saliva, hair, bodily tissues, bodily fluids, or dental impressions from the body of a person that may yield evidence of the identity of the perpetrator of a crime when subjected to scientific or other forensic analysis. The foregoing samples, and the results of any scientific or other forensic analysis, shall be admissible in all criminal proceedings, subject to application of the rules of evidence and criminal procedure. When any of the foregoing samples are seized for scientific or forensic analysis, the seizure shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations, guidelines, or protocols of the department of health or the state crime laboratory, as may be appropriate under the circumstances;

(6) Samples of blood or breath that may yield evidence of the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance when subjected to a chemical test, as contemplated in § 31-27-2. When any of the foregoing samples are seized for purposes of performing the aforementioned chemical test, the seizure shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations of the department of health that apply to the consensual collection of such a sample for purposes of the chemical test contemplated by § 31-27-2; or

(7) Property of a respondent under chapter 8.3 of title 8 where firearms may be under the possession, custody, or control of the respondent.

History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 178; G.L. 1909, ch. 281, § 31; P.L. 1915, ch. 1258, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 331, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 501, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 12-5-1; G.L., § 12-5-2, as enacted by P.L. 1965, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 13; P.L. 2004, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 6, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 7, § 2.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-5-2

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-5-2 cover?

Section 12-5-2 ("Search Warrants") 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 § 12-5-2?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-5-2" (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 § 12-5-2 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.