---
title: "What is the grand jury process for kidnapping in Rhode Island?"
description: "Felony kidnapping cases in Rhode Island are charged by grand jury indictment in Superior Court, not by criminal information. The grand jury is a panel of citizens that hears only the prosecution's..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-grand-jury-process-for-kidnapping-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-22
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is the grand jury process for kidnapping in Rhode Island?

Felony kidnapping cases in Rhode Island are charged by grand jury indictment in Superior Court, not by criminal information. The grand jury is a panel of citizens that hears only the prosecution's evidence - there is no cross-examination and no defense presentation as of right. The threshold for indictment is probable cause, which is low. Even so, defense strategy matters. A target of a grand jury investigation can sometimes submit exculpatory material through counsel, can decline to testify under the Fifth Amendment, and can use the pre-indictment window for negotiation with the Attorney General's office. Once indicted, the case is arraigned in Superior Court and moves into full discovery and motion practice. A Rhode Island kidnapping lawyer who has handled grand jury matters before knows when to be silent and when to push.