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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 30, 2023

What types of orders are there? How long do they last?

There are two types of extreme risk protection orders: temporary ex parte extreme risk protection orders and one-year extreme risk protection orders.

Temporary ex parte extreme risk protection orders: The judge can issue a temporary ex parte extreme risk protection order without the respondent having notice of the hearing or being present for the hearing. This type of order remains in effect until the next hearing, which must be scheduled within 14 days.1

One-year extreme risk protection orders issued after a hearing: A one-year extreme risk protection order can be issued after the respondent receives notice and has the opportunity to be present for a hearing in court. At the hearing, the judge will decide if the respondent poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself/herself or others by having a firearm in his/her custody or control, or by purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm. An extreme risk protection order issued after a hearing will last for a period of one year.2

1 8 R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.3-4(e)(7), (f)
2 8 R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.3-5(a)