Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

Assembly passes Rep. Marszalkowski and Sen. Murray’s legislation that exempts court fees for crime victims

 

            STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2024-H 7800A, 2024-S 2115A) sponsored by Rep. Alex D. Marszalkowski and Sen. Melissa A. Murray that would exempt crime victims seeking restitution from having to pay certain court fees.

            “Victims of crimes should not have to pay court fees to regain stolen property or to acquire justice and restitution for the crime perpetrated against them.  This bill will rectify an unfair aspect of our justice system that revictimizes crime victims who are simply attempting to get what is rightfully theirs,” said Representative Marszalkowski (D-Dist. 52, Cumberland).

            “This legislation will help victims of crimes gain the justice that they seek without costing them more money to pursue their claims.  Victims did not ask to be victimized, so it’s only fair that they should not be penalized with court and service costs in order to make themselves whole once again,” said Senator Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).

            The bill would waive the payment of any initial filing fees and service of process costs when the victim of a crime is still owed restitution at the expiration of a criminal case.  Subsequent filing fees and service of process costs may be waived at the discretion of the court.           

            The bill now heads to the governor for consideration.

 

 

President Trump will meet with oil executives at the White House next hour as he tries to spur investment in Venezuela's oil infrastructure. The meeting comes after the U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and brought him to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. Trump accused Venezuela of stealing American oil when it nationalized its assets years ago.        Tensions are running high across the country after shootings involving federal agents this week. Protests have not stopped in Minneapolis since Wednesday's deadly shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an ICE agent. On the West Coast, Homeland Security says agents were attempting a traffic stop on an alleged Venezuelan gang member yesterday in Portland, Oregon when the driver tried to run over an agent and shots were fired, sending two people to the hospital.        There's no ruling yet as the Supreme Court considers the legality of President Trump's global tariffs. The justices heard the case in early November and could have issued a ruling as early as today. After the hearing, Trump says the Supreme Court tariffs case is "life or death for our county." It's unclear when the high court rule on the issue.        Accused United Healthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione is back in a New York courtroom for a key hearing. His lawyers are fighting to bar the government from seeking the death penalty if found guilty and are trying to get key evidence blocked. They are also looking to get two charges thrown out, one count of murder and one firearms offense. Mangione is accused of assassinating CEO Brian Thompson in December of 2024 on a Midtown Manhattan street.        Sean "Diddy" Combs will apparently have to serve out his entire prison sentence. President Trump told The New York Times that the rapper and businessman sent him a letter seeking a pardon, but he won't be granting the request. Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix after being convicted on prostitution charges.        The stage is set for the 83rd annual Golden Globes on Sunday in Beverly Hills. Comedian Nikki Glaser hosts for the second year in a row. Films up for a nod include "Sinners," "Frankenstein," "One Battle After Another," "Bugonia," "KPop Demon Hunters" and "Marty Supreme" while TV shows "Abbott Elementary," "The Bear," and "Hacks" are also nominated. The awards will be televised on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern.       

Old News Archives