(a)  Any formal delinquency proceeding against a person shall be commenced by filing a petition in the name of the commissioner.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 27-14.3-11

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Temporary restraining order: Prohibits a person from an action that is likely to cause irreparable harm. This differs from an injunction in that it may be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party, and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held.

(b)  The petition shall state the grounds upon which the proceeding is based and the relief requested, and may include a prayer for restraining orders and injunctive relief as described in § 27-14.3-5.

(c)  Any petition that prays for a temporary restraining order must be verified by the commissioner or his or her designee, but need not plead or prove irreparable harm or inadequate remedy by law. The commissioner shall provide only that notice as the court may require.

(d)  If any temporary restraining order is prayed for:

(1)  The court may issue an initial order containing the relief requested;

(2)  The order shall state the time and date of its issuance;

(3)  The court shall set a time and date for the return of summons, not more than ten (10) days from the time and date of the issuance of the initial order, at which time the person proceeded against may appear before the court for a summary hearing;

(4)  The order shall not continue in effect beyond the time and date set for the return of summons, unless the court shall expressly enter one or more orders extending the restraining order; and

(5)  The verified petition and the initial order shall be filed with the clerk of the court and maintained as confidential, except for good cause shown, until personal service is made.

(e)  If no temporary restraining order is requested, the court shall cause summons to be issued. The summons shall specify a return date not more than thirty (30) days after issuance and that an answer must be filed at or before the return date.

History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 248, § 1.