Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Rhode Island General Laws Title 12. Criminal Procedure § 12-5.2-3. Issuance of an order for a pen register or a trap and trace device

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a)(1) Upon an application made pursuant to § 12-5.2-2, the court shall enter an ex parte order authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device if the court is reasonably satisfied that the information likely to be obtained by the installation and use is relevant and necessary to further an ongoing criminal investigation and that use of a pen register or trap and trace device is the least intrusive way to obtain the information sought.

(2) An order issued under this section shall specify:

(i) The identity, if known, of the person to whom is leased or in whose name is listed the telephone line to which the pen register or trap and trace device is to be attached;

(ii) The identity of the person who is the subject of the criminal investigation;

(iii) The number and physical location of the telephone line to which the pen register or trap and trace device is to be attached and, in the case if a trap and trace device, the geographic limits of the trap and trace order;

(iv) A statement of the offense to which the information likely to be obtained by the pen register or trap and trace device is relevant; and

(v) Shall direct, upon the request of the applicant, the furnishing of information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the installation of the pen register or trap and trace device under § 12-5.2-4.

(b) An order issued pursuant to this section shall authorize the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days.

(c) Extensions of the order may be granted only upon an application for an order pursuant to § 12-5.2-2, and upon the judicial finding required by subdivision (a)(1) of this section. The period of extension shall be a period not to exceed sixty (60) days.

(d) An order authorizing or approving the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device shall direct that:

(1) The order is sealed until otherwise ordered by the court; and

(2) The person owning or leasing the line to which the pen register or a trap and trace device is attached, or who has been ordered by the court to provide assistance to the applicant, not disclose the existence of the pen register or trap and trace device or the existence of the investigation to the listed subscriber, or to any other person, unless or until otherwise ordered by the court.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Rhode Island General Laws Title 12. Criminal Procedure § 12-5.2-3. Issuance of an order for a pen register or a trap and trace device - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-12-criminal-procedure/ri-gen-laws-sect-12-5-2-3/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard