R.I. Gen. Laws
Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-5.2-2 (2026)

Application for an order for a pen register or a trap and trace device

✓ text as last checked Sept. 2026 (this copy records no edition or section history)
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(a)(1) The attorney general or an assistant attorney general designated by the attorney general may make application for an order or an extension of an order pursuant to the provisions of § 12-5.2-3 authorizing or approving the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device under this chapter, in writing under oath or equivalent affirmation, to the presiding justice of the superior court or his or her designee in order to obtain information regarding a designated offense.

(2) Any law enforcement officer set forth in § 12-5-3 may make application for an order or an extension of an order under § 12-5.2-3 authorizing or approving the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device under this chapter, in writing under oath or equivalent affirmation to the presiding justice of the superior court or his or her designee.

(b) An application pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall include:

(1) The identity of the attorney general, assistant attorney general, or the law enforcement officer making the application and the identity of the law enforcement agency conducting the investigation; and

(2) A certification by the applicant that the information likely to be obtained is relevant and necessary to an ongoing criminal investigation, that other investigative procedures have been or are being initiated or conducted, and that the request for the issuance of the pen register and/or trap and trace device is necessary to further an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by that agency.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1 case, 2004–2004 · leading case: State v. Dearmas, 841 A.2d 659 (R.I. 2004).
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State v. Dearmas, 841 A.2d 659 (R.I. 2004). · cites it 2× “1-4 (authorizing interception of wire communications); G.L. 1956 § 12-5.2-2 (authorizing use of pen register or trap and trace device)).”
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