Rhode Island court guide
Licht Judicial Complex (Providence Superior and Supreme Courts)
The Frank J. Licht Judicial Complex at 250 Benefit Street in Providence houses the Superior Court for Providence and Bristol Counties and the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Felony cases from this area are decided here after the Attorney General files charges. Our office is a short walk away.
Address, phone, and hours
The Judiciary lists hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Address: 250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Superior Court clerk (Providence and Bristol Counties): 401-222-3230
- Supreme Court clerk: 401-222-3272
What the courts here hear
The Superior Court holds jury and non-jury trials in criminal and civil cases. It has original jurisdiction over all felonies, civil cases over $10,000, and equity matters.
The Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort. It decides appeals on questions of law and equity and supervises the other state courts.
Area covered
The Superior Court at Licht serves Providence and Bristol Counties. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2, appeals from the District Court Sixth Division go to the Providence County Superior Court. The Supreme Court hears appeals from the whole state.
What happens at a Superior Court arraignment
Most felonies start with an arraignment and bail in District Court. The Attorney General then charges the case by information or a grand jury indictment, and the case comes to Superior Court.
The Judiciary describes the next steps as a pre-arraignment conference, where the case may be resolved by negotiation, then an arraignment, where bail is reset. A pretrial conference follows, and a case that does not resolve goes to trial.
Who prosecutes
Rhode Island has no district attorneys. The Attorney General prosecutes every felony in the state and presents all informations and indictments. The Attorney General has an office in every courthouse.
Security, parking, and what to bring
Capitol Police screen everyone with a metal detector and x-ray machine. Weapons, sharp objects, aerosol sprays, recording equipment, and drinks are not allowed, and phones may not be used in courtrooms.
The Judiciary says parking is in private lots and garages for a fee or on the street. The accessible entrance is on South Main Street. Bring every court notice and arrive 30 minutes early.
How to look up your case
Superior Court dockets are on the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal. Public documents can also be viewed on clerk’s office terminals during business hours.
How we help
Our office at 130 Dorrance Street is a short walk from Licht. We handle felony cases from the first bail hearing through pretrial conferences, motions, and trial, and we handle appeals to the Supreme Court. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
For Providence-area cases, the District Court Sixth Division at Garrahy handles misdemeanors and first felony arraignments. The Superior Court for Providence and Bristol Counties and the Supreme Court are at Licht.
Yes. An appeal from a District Court trial results in a new trial in Superior Court. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-22-1, the appeal generally must be claimed within five days after the sentence.
Yes. The Judiciary lists one Superior Court clerk’s office for Providence and Bristol Counties, at the Licht Judicial Complex.
Plan to attend every date unless your lawyer confirms the court has excused you. The Judiciary warns that failing to appear on time may result in a warrant for your arrest.
Next step
Facing a felony in Providence?
Our office is a short walk from Licht. Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation. The first conversation is free.