Rhode Island court guide
Murray Judicial Complex (Newport District and Superior Courts)
The Florence K. Murray Judicial Complex at 45 Washington Square in Newport houses the Newport County Superior Court and the District Court, Second Division. The Second Division hears District Court cases from Newport, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Tiverton.
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 Court.
- Address: 45 Washington Square, Newport, RI 02840
- District Court, Second Division clerk: 401-841-8350
- Newport County Superior Court clerk: 401-841-8330
Cities and towns in the Second Division
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2, the Second Division covers the city of Newport and the towns of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. Appeals from its trials go to the Newport 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. In Rhode Island, many misdemeanors are presented by the prosecution unit of the police department that brought the charge.
Security, parking, and what to bring
The Judiciary lists on-street parking with meters, and the accessible entrance is on Touro Street. 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 to allow time for parking.
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 Murray on District Court misdemeanors, felony bail hearings, and Newport 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
Yes. R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2 places Jamestown in the Second Division, so its District Court cases are heard at the Murray Judicial Complex in Newport.
The Judiciary lists only on-street metered parking for Murray, and its parking notice says no private parking is available. Allow extra time to find a space.
A DUI charge is a criminal case heard in the District Court, so a DUI from a Second Division community goes to Murray. 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 in Newport?
Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation. The first conversation is free.