Yes. A Rhode Island prostitution conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless expunged after a 5-year waiting period. The conviction is visible in standard employer and housing background checks during the waiting period and after if not successfully expunged. Charges that result in dismissal, acquittal, or no-file disposition by the prosecutor may be automatically expunged under the second chance law without you needing to file a petition. The category of charge (prostitution, solicitation, sex trafficking) affects the expungement analysis. Defense counsel should evaluate diversion options that avoid conviction entirely.
