Visiting Restrictions at Rhode Island DOC: Felonies, Probation, and Pending Charges Explained
Trying to visit someone in Rhode Island DOC custody when you have a criminal history or an open case? Approval isn't automatic. Here's how the main restrictions work and when exceptions can be granted.
At Rhode Island DOC, visits are a privilege, not a right. This applies to both in-person and video visits. RIDOC administration can approve, deny, suspend, or revoke visits at their discretion.
Before you can visit, you need to pass background investigations. RIDOC runs both BCI and NCIC checks. If you haven't cleared both, you can't visit unless the Assistant Director of Institutions and Operations (ADIO), or their designee, specifically approves you.
Immediate family members with a felony record can still visit, but only with approval. Under RIDOC rules, you'll need sign-off from the ADIO (or designee) before visits are allowed.
Not an immediate family member? If you have a felony record, the same higher-level approval applies. You'll need ADIO (or designee) approval before visits can happen.
Pending charges come with a built-in limit. If you're allowed to visit while you have pending criminal charges, RIDOC caps those visits at once per month.
There's a narrow exception for co-defendants. If you have pending charges and you're also a co-defendant with the incarcerated person, visits are only allowed with their attorney present. The attorney arranges the time in consultation with the Warden or designee.
Even if you're approved with felony convictions, there are frequency limits. You're restricted to once per month until you've demonstrated three consecutive years of being law-abiding.
Many of these restrictions come down to discretionary approval. Failed your BCI and NCIC background checks? You can't visit without ADIO (or designee) approval. Have a felony record, whether you're immediate family or not? Same story. And even when someone with felony convictions gets approved, visits are capped at once per month until the three-year law-abiding standard is met.
Note: A felony record doesn't automatically mean "no visits" at RIDOC. It usually means the visit needs specific approval. If granted, visits may be limited to once per month until the three-year law-abiding standard is met.
Attorney visits follow different rules than social visits. Inmates' attorneys can visit as often as necessary to assist their clients.
Clergy visits are allowed but must be coordinated through RIDOC's Chaplaincy Program.
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