Rhode Island § 45-2-12 - General Powers

§ 45-2-12. Town of New Shoreham may establish police court.

(a) The town of New Shoreham, by vote of any regular or special financial town meeting, may establish a police court and confer upon the court original jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal causes involving the violation of any ordinance of the town council of the town; provided, that due notice of the proposition is contained in the call of any meeting voting the proposition; and provided further, that any defendant found guilty of any offense within the jurisdiction of the town by the court may within seven (7) days of conviction file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(b) Upon the passage of the vote for the establishment of a police court, the town council of the town of New Shoreham is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the court, 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.

(c) The police court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court shall be empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.