Rhode Island court guide
McGrath Judicial Complex (Wakefield District and Superior Courts)
The J. Howard McGrath Judicial Complex at 4800 Tower Hill Road in Wakefield houses the Washington County Superior Court and the District Court, Fourth Division. The Fourth Division hears District Court cases from eight towns, including South Kingstown, Narragansett, and Westerly. North Kingstown is not one of them.
Address, phone, and hours
The Judiciary lists hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Address: 4800 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879
- District Court, Fourth Division clerk: 401-782-4133
- Washington County Superior Court clerk: 401-782-4121
Towns in the Fourth Division
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2, the Fourth Division covers Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly. Appeals from its trials go to the Washington County Superior Court.
What the courts here hear
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 small civil claims and evictions. The Superior Court handles felony cases after charges are filed, civil cases over $10,000, and new trials on District Court appeals.
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 the Attorney General later decides whether to charge the case in Superior Court by information or grand jury indictment.
Who prosecutes
The Attorney General prosecutes every felony and handles State Police cases statewide. Many misdemeanors are presented by the arresting police department’s prosecution unit. Narragansett police, for example, list the Fourth Division as the court for their misdemeanor cases.
Security, parking, and what to bring
The Judiciary lists free parking at McGrath, and the main entrance is the accessible entrance. Capitol Police screen everyone with a metal detector and x-ray machine. Weapons, sharp objects, aerosol sprays, recording equipment, and drinks are not allowed.
Bring your summons, bail papers, and court notices, and arrive 30 minutes early.
How to look up your case
Search the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal for your docket. Public documents can also be viewed on clerk’s office terminals during business hours.
How we help
We represent clients at McGrath on District Court misdemeanors, felony bail hearings, and Washington County Superior Court cases. We can review the complaint, speak for you on bail, and handle later dates. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
No. R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2 places North Kingstown in the Third Division, which sits at the Noel Judicial Complex in Warwick. North Kingstown police also list the Third Division as the court for their misdemeanor cases.
Yes. The Judiciary lists free parking at the McGrath Judicial Complex.
A DUI charge is a criminal case heard in the District Court, so a DUI arising in a Fourth Division town goes to McGrath. A first breathalyzer refusal is heard at the Traffic Tribunal in Cranston.
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 McGrath?
Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation. The first conversation is free.