Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Rhode Island has no criminal statute of limitations for first and second-degree sexual assault. For lower-degree sexual offenses, limitations periods apply. Rhode Island is among the states that have effectively eliminated criminal SOL for the most serious felony sex offenses.

Civil SOL

Rhode Island enacted significant SOL reform that includes a permanent lookback window for previously time-barred claims against perpetrators.

Child survivors – current law: Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil lawsuits within 35 years of the date of abuse OR within 7 years from the date the victim discovered or should have discovered the abuse caused injury, whichever is later. This effectively means most child survivors can file until age 53 (35 years after turning 18).

Permanent lookback window: Rhode Island permanently revived expired civil claims against individual perpetrators. Survivors whose direct perpetrator claims were previously time-barred may now bring claims against the perpetrator at any time under the 35-year or 7-year discovery framework. This is among the strongest lookback provisions in the nation as it applies permanently rather than during a limited window.

Important limitation: The permanent revival applies to claims against perpetrators. Institutional claims (schools, churches, organizations) may face different analysis. Survivors should consult an attorney to understand the scope of the revival as applied to their specific case and defendant.

Adult survivors: 7 years from the date of the incident to file civil claims. This is substantially more generous than most states’ adult deadlines.

Reform trajectory: 2023 legislation was introduced to eliminate the SOL entirely and retroactively for all survivors. As of February 2026 that bill had not been signed into law but reflects ongoing reform momentum.

Institutional Liability

Rhode Island allows civil claims against schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. The Diocese of Providence has disclosed credibly accused priests. No criminal conviction is required for civil claims.

Attorney Firms

(1) Motley Rice LLC

Location: Providence (national practice)
Phone: 800-768-4026
Website: https://motleyrice.com/sex-abuse

Nationally recognized plaintiff firm with significant Rhode Island presence. Multi-billion dollar recovery history including major institutional abuse cases. Handles claims against Catholic dioceses, schools, youth organizations, and other institutional defendants in Rhode Island. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(2) Herman Law

Location: National practice (active in Rhode Island)
Phone: 800-976-8552
Website: https://hermanlaw.com

Nationally recognized firm with 35+ years dedicated exclusively to sexual abuse survivor representation. Handles Rhode Island claims against the Diocese of Providence and other institutional defendants. Tracks Rhode Island’s permanent lookback window developments for perpetrator claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(3) Levy Konigsberg LLP

Location: National practice (active in Rhode Island)
Phone: 800-315-3806
Website: https://levylaw.com

Nationally recognized institutional abuse firm, $3B+ recovered. Active against Catholic dioceses, schools, and juvenile facilities in New England including Rhode Island. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) Sokolove Law

Location: National practice (active in Rhode Island)
Phone: 800-995-1212
Website: https://sokolovelaw.com/personal-injury/sexual-abuse/

National sexual abuse firm with 45+ years experience. Handles Rhode Island cases including institutional claims. Tracks Rhode Island’s permanent revival provisions for previously time-barred claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

Important Context

Permanent lookback: major advantage for Rhode Island survivors. Unlike states with temporary lookback windows that close, Rhode Island’s revival provision for perpetrator claims is permanent. Survivors who believed their claims were time-barred should consult an attorney to assess whether Rhode Island’s revival framework applies.

Diocese of Providence: The Diocese of Providence has disclosed names of credibly accused clergy. Survivors of clergy abuse should pursue an attorney evaluation promptly.

Crisis resources: Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 401-467-9940 | Day One RI (sexual assault): 800-494-8100