# Ri. Const. art. I, § 9: Right to bail — Habeas corpus

> Rhode Island · Constitutions · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S9

## Section

- **Citation:** Ri. Const. art. I, § 9
- **Heading:** Right to bail — Habeas corpus
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Constitutions
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Article I / Section 9

## Text

All persons imprisoned ought to be bailed by sufficient surety, unless for offenses punishable by imprisonment for life, or for offenses involving the use or threat of use of a dangerous weapon by one already convicted of such offense or already convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for life, or for offenses involving the unlawful sale, distribution, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute or deliver any controlled substance or by possession of a controlled substance punishable by imprisonment for ten (10) years or more, when the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption great. Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer a right to bail, pending appeal of a conviction. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety shall require it; nor ever without the authority of the general assembly.

## Nearby sections

- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 1 Right to make and alter Constitution — Constitution obligatory upon all.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S1.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 2 Laws for good of whole — Burdens to be equally distributed — Due process — Equal protection — Discrimination — No right to abortion granted.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S2.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 3 Freedom of religion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S3.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 4 Slavery prohibited.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S4.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 5 Entitlement to remedies for injuries and wrongs — Right to justice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S5.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 6 Search and seizure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S6.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 7 Requirement of presentment or indictment — Information by attorney-general — Grand juries — Double jeopardy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S7.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 8 Bail, fines and punishments.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S8.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 9 Right to bail — Habeas corpus.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S9.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 10 Rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S10.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 11 Relief of debtors from prison.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S11.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 12 Ex post facto laws — Laws impairing obligation of contract.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S12.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 13 Self-crimination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S13.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 14 Presumption of innocence — Securing accused persons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S9. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.