Rhode Island court guide
Garrahy Judicial Complex (Providence District Court)
The J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex at 1 Dorrance Plaza in Providence houses the District Court, Sixth Division, where criminal cases from Providence and nearby communities usually begin. Misdemeanors are decided there, and most felonies are first arraigned there before moving to Superior Court. Our office is a two-minute walk away.
Address, phone, and hours
The Judiciary lists hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The building also houses the Family, Workers’ Compensation, and Superior Courts.
- Address: 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
- District Court, Sixth Division: 401-458-5400
- Sixth Division criminal department: 401-458-5403
What the Sixth Division hears
The District Court decides misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail and holds the first arraignment and bail setting on most felonies. It also hears civil claims up to $5,000, evictions, and domestic restraining orders.
Cities and towns covered
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2, the Sixth Division covers these cities and towns:
- Cities: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, East Providence, Woonsocket
- Towns: Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Cumberland, Warren
What happens at arraignment
On a misdemeanor, you are asked to enter a plea. After a not guilty plea, bail is set and a pretrial conference is scheduled. A guilty or nolo contendere plea ends the case with a sentence, so speak with a lawyer first.
On a felony, no plea is taken in District Court. A judge sets bail, and a bail hearing may be held if you are held without bail. The Attorney General then decides whether to file charges in Superior Court.
Who prosecutes
The Attorney General prosecutes every felony in Rhode Island. In the Sixth Division, its District Court Unit also handles State Police cases, certain bail hearings, and bail and probation violations. Many misdemeanors are presented by the arresting police department’s prosecution unit.
Security, parking, and what to bring
Capitol Police screen everyone with a metal detector and x-ray machine. Weapons, knives, tools, aerosol sprays, lighters, recording equipment, and drinks are not allowed.
Bring your summons, bail papers, and court notices, and arrive 30 minutes early. The Judiciary says parking near Garrahy is in private lots and garages for a fee or on the street, mostly metered.
How to look up your case
Search the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal for your docket. Public documents can also be viewed on terminals in the clerk’s office during business hours.
How we help
From our office at 130 Dorrance Street, we can meet you before court, review the complaint, speak for you on bail, and handle the pretrial conference and later dates. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
No. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2, Johnston is in the Third Division, which sits at the Noel Judicial Complex in Warwick. So are Cranston, North Providence, Lincoln, and Smithfield.
Generally no. After the District Court arraignment, the Attorney General either files an information or presents the case to a grand jury. If charges are filed, the case moves to Superior Court.
Electronic devices are generally allowed in Rhode Island state courthouses, but they cannot be used for photos or recordings, and phone use is forbidden in courtrooms.
The Judiciary warns that failing to appear on time may result in a warrant for your arrest. If you missed a date, call us right away so we can work on getting you back before the court.
Next step
Have a date at Garrahy?
Our office is a two-minute walk from the courthouse. Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation. The first conversation is free.