Rhode Island General Laws > Chapter 12-4 – Recognizance to Keep the Peace


§ 12-4-1	Examination on complaint of threat to commit offense
§ 12-4-2	Warrant to apprehend accused
§ 12-4-3	Inquiry into truth of complaint – Sentence to enter recognizance
§ 12-4-4	Discharge of accused – Commitment on failure to give recognizance
§ 12-4-5	Exemption from recognizance – Domestic abuse
§ 12-4-6	Discharge on failure to find complaint supported by evidence – Costs

Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
justice of the peace: include warden of the peace and the words "district court" include warden's court. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-14
person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
town: may be construed to include city; the words "town council" include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9
Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.