Rhode Island Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the court's ultimate decision that settles a dispute and establishes the parties' rights and responsibilities. In Rhode Island, judgments are rendered in various instances, including criminal restitution, family law issues, property disputes, civil lawsuits, and debt collection. A judgment is legally binding once it is issued and can lead to bad credit reports, wage garnishments, or liens.

What Is a Judgment in Rhode Island?

According toRule 54 of the Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure, a judgment is any order or decree that is the subject of an appeal. A master's report, a record of previous proceedings, or recitals of pleadings should not be included in a decision.

One party may be ordered by a judgment to make a payment, give up property, or abstain from particular behaviors. Judgments have legal effect once they are recorded and can be executed by levies, garnishments, or liens.

A money judgment mandating the payback of an outstanding loan or credit card bill, for instance, could be obtained by a creditor. A ruling in family court may impose spousal or child support obligations. In Rhode Island, judgments of any kind are enforceable until they are satisfied or expire in accordance with state law.

Types of Judgments in Rhode Island

Rhode Island courts issue several types of judgments depending on the case:

1. Final Judgments

This ruling completely settles all parties and claims in a matter. This is the kind of ruling that is usually subject to appeal and typically represents the conclusion of the case at the trial level. The court renders a final judgment following a trial or other dispositive motion (such as a request for summary judgment).

2. Default Judgments

When a defendant does not reply to a lawsuit or does not show up for a scheduled hearing, a default judgment is entered. The plaintiff always prevails in these situations, and the court typically provides the desired remedy. If the defendant fails to submit an answer or other responsive pleading within the specified time frame (usually 20 days after being served with the complaint), the plaintiff may request a default judgment in accordance with Rule 55 of the Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure.

3. Declaratory Judgments

This is a ruling that, without directing any particular course of action or offering financial compensation, establishes the rights, responsibilities, or duties of parties in a case. A person can ask a court for a judgment to declare their rights, status, or other legal relations, as stated in the Rhode Island Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-30-1). For instance, before making a significant financial investment, a party may ask for a declaratory judgment to verify the legality of a contract.

4. Foreign Judgments

This is a ruling from a court in another state or nation that, once filed with a Rhode Island court, can be executed in Rhode Island. A creditor may submit an authenticated copy of a foreign judgment to the clerk of the relevant Rhode Island court under the Rhode Island Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-32-1). A foreign judgment has the same legal force and effect as a Rhode Island judgment after it is filed and the debtor is notified.

5. Judgments of Civil Liability

In criminal trials, a particular kind of judgment is used to mandate that the offender compensate the victim. The victim may enforce the verdict as a civil judgment in the Superior Court since it is a civil order for reparation. It is the victim who becomes the judgment creditor and the convicted defendant who becomes the judgment debtor.

How to Search for Judgments in Rhode Island

Judgments are public records in Rhode Island and can be accessed through several resources:

1. Clerk of Court Offices: Judgment records are kept by every state court. Certified copies are available for a fee, and searches can be conducted in person.
2. Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal: Case information, including judgments issued in civil, criminal, and family proceedings, is accessible online through the Public eService Portal. You can search by attorney, case number, or name.
3. Town and City Land Evidence Records: Local land records offices offer searchable property databases for judgments about liens.
4. Third-Party Services: Although statewide judgment records may be compiled by paid vendors, the most trustworthy sources are still municipal clerks and official court portals. Users should make every effort to ensure that these platforms are updated regularly, as they may be more affordable options. These platforms' ability to compile judgment records from all county jurisdictions is a clear benefit.

Judgment records typically show:

• Case number
• Parties involved
• Court location
• Date of judgment
• Amount owed or type of relief ordered.

Judgment Records in Major Rhode Island Counties

Although Rhode Island is a small state, its counties and cities maintain important judgment records. You may find records through any of the Maine Superior Courts:

• Providence County (Providence): The Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal and the Superior Court Clerk's Office both offer judgments from Providence County, the busiest court district in the state.
• Kent County (Warwick): You can look up Kent County judgments online and at the Superior Court Clerk's Office in your area.
• Newport County (Newport): Locally, the county courthouse and the statewide public access portal are used to maintain judgment records.

Although certified copies must be sought from county or city clerks, the Rhode Island Public Portal is the most practical resource for statewide judgment searches.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Rhode Island?

A civil judgment in Rhode Island is enforceable and valid for 20 years after the date of entry. Before it expires, creditors have the option to renew the judgment, prolonging its enforcement for an extra 20 years. If correctly renewed, this process can be repeated, allowing judgments to stay enforceable for decades.

Creditors may seek levies, garnishments, or liens throughout the enforceable period. Unresolved judgments can cause debtors to face long-term difficulties with their credit, financial stability, and property ownership.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Rhode Island?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain legal collection rights, and debtors face financial and legal obligations.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order requiring employers to withhold part of a debtor’s wages until the judgment is satisfied.
• Judgment Liens: A debtor's property may be subject to a lien, which would stop it from being sold or refinanced until the judgment is resolved.
• Bank Levies: Creditors may take money straight out of the debtor's bank account with permission from the court.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Credit reports may contain judgments, which can reduce scores and restrict access to loans.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: Creditors must formally release the debtor from further obligation by filing a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court following repayment..
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: A debtor may file an appeal or ask the court to revoke a judgment if they feel it was issued unfairly, for example, by defaulting without giving enough notice.