Bail in Rhode Island murder cases is not automatic, but it is also not impossible. The Rhode Island Constitution permits the court to deny bail in capital and first-degree murder cases when proof of guilt is evident or the presumption great. That standard requires the state to actually make a showing at a bail hearing - not simply rest on the indictment. When the evidence is circumstantial, heavily dependent on one eyewitness, or forensically contested, experienced defense lawyers can win bail even in murder cases. For second-degree murder, manslaughter, and most vehicular homicide charges, bail is ordinarily available, though the amount can be substantial. Bank & Munns approaches every bail hearing as a mini-trial, because for the client and family, freedom during the 12-24 month pretrial period is life-changing.