A bail commissioner may set initial bail at the police station within hours of a Rhode Island arrest, depending on the charge and time of day. A formal bail hearing happens at the arraignment, typically within 24 hours on weekdays or 48 hours over a weekend. At arraignment a judge reviews the bail amount and conditions, hears arguments from the prosecution and the defense, and can adjust the bail. Common outcomes include release on personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors, cash or surety bail for more serious charges, and held-without-bail for the most serious felony cases. A lawyer at arraignment can argue for the lowest possible bail and most favorable conditions.
