Rhode Island House Bill H7190

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Relating Criminal Procedure -- Indictments, Informations And Complaints

Impact

The enactment of HB 7190 would serve to reinforce protections for individuals by preventing repeated prosecutions for the same crime across different jurisdictions. With this bill, the Rhode Island legislative framework would aim to promote fairness and justice within the criminal justice system. By limiting prosecutions based on previous acquittals, the bill seeks to ensure that the rights of defendants are preserved, thus potentially leading to reduced legal uncertainties for individuals acquitted elsewhere and enhancing the overall integrity of the legal system.

Summary

House Bill 7190 seeks to amend the criminal procedure laws in Rhode Island, specifically regarding the circumstances under which an individual may be prosecuted after being acquitted in another jurisdiction. The bill introduces a provision that stipulates if a person has been acquitted of a crime under federal law or the law of another state concerning the same facts or acts, they cannot be prosecuted in Rhode Island for that same offense unless there is newly discovered evidence warranted for such prosecution. This measure is designed to uphold the principle of double jeopardy, which prevents individuals from being tried for the same offense multiple times.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding how 'newly discovered evidence' is defined and what standards would have to be met for such evidence to warrant a new prosecution. Legislators and legal experts might debate how this could impact the prosecution of serious crimes where evidence could emerge long after an acquittal. Additionally, the bill may face scrutiny over its potential implications for the ability of state prosecutors to pursue justice in cases where acquittals had occurred in other jurisdictions, leading to discussions around the balance between protecting defendants' rights and the interests of public safety.