Rule 6. First Appearance

(a) Procedure. Except in cases wherein payment has been made administratively pursuant to Rule 5, all defendants shall appear before a judicial officer (defined as a judge or a magistrate of the court) for the first appearance on the date and time and at the place indicated on the summons. The police department or law enforcement agency which charged the summons shall be represented by a prosecutor or law enforcement officer. Because a defendant is before the court for a civil violation(s), the defendant is not entitled to appointed counsel but has the option to retain private counsel. The first appearance shall be conducted in open court, recorded, and shall consist of reading the summons to the defendant or stating to the defendant the substance of the charge(s) and calling on the defendant to plead thereto. The judicial officer conducting the first appearance shall notify the defendant of G.L. 1956 § 31-41.1-7 (the "good driving record" statute).

(b) Default and/or Dismissal. If the defendant or the prosecution shall fail to appear, a dismissal or a judgment by default may enter pursuant to Rule 17.