Rhode Island General Laws Title 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-37.2-3. Temporary orders--Ex parte proceedings

(a)(1) Upon the filing of a complaint under this chapter, the court may enter any temporary orders that it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff from abuse.

(2) If it clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit that immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage will result to the plaintiff, before notice can be served and a hearing held, the court may enter any temporary order without notice that it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff. Every order granted without notice shall expire by its terms within the time after entry, not to exceed twenty-one (21) days, as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed the order: (i) By consent; or (ii) Due to a failure to make service of process upon the defendant despite diligent efforts; or (iii) For good cause shown and after hearing of argument by the parties or counsel, is extended for an additional period. In case a temporary order is granted without notice, the matter shall be set down for hearing within a reasonable time and shall be given precedence over all matters except older matters of the same character, and when the matter comes on for hearing the party who obtained the temporary order shall proceed with the complaint for an order pursuant to § 11-37.2-2, and, if he or she does not do so, the court shall dissolve the temporary order.

(b)(1) When the court is unavailable after the close of business a complaint may be filed before any available district court judge who may grant relief to the plaintiff under this chapter upon cause shown in an ex parte proceeding.

(2) No temporary order shall be granted pursuant to the provisions of this section unless it clearly appears from specific facts shown by the affidavit or by verified complaint that immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage will result to the plaintiff before notice can be served and a hearing held.