This is the website of the Rhode Island Affiliate, ACLU and the ACLU Foundation of Rhode Island.  Learn more about the distinction between these two components of the RI ACLU.



How to File a Complaint With the ACLU

The ACLU of Rhode Island takes written complaints of civil liberties violations for review. If you believe your rights have been violated and you are interested in making a complaint, please follow the procedure below:
  1. First, read carefully through the information on this page, including Complaints: Frequently Asked Questions
  2. Write a letter explaining exactly what happened and what kind of help you are looking for from the ACLU. If it is a complaint about the police, click here to download and print our Police Misconduct Complaint Form, or call the ACLU office at 401 831-7171 to request that we send you a form. For all other types of complaints, simply describe what happened in your own words. If you are unable to type your letter, please be sure to write clearly and legibly.
  3. Include copies documents that you think provide additional information or evidence of your claim. This could include copies of correspondence, official documents or city or state policies or ordinances. If you have a lot of documentation, send only the most relevant or important pieces.
  4. Send the letter and documents to:
    		Rhode Island Affiliate, ACLU
		128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220
		Providence, RI 02903
You should receive a letter within a few weeks to let you know the status of your complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I make an appointment to speak to a lawyer about my case?
A. No. We do not have attorneys on staff and are unable to give legal advice in person or over the phone, so even though your complaint may be complicated and best explained in person, you will have to submit something in writing.

Q. What kinds of cases does the ACLU handle?
A. The goals of the ACLU are to defend the Bill of Rights and protect individuals’ rights from government infringement. To get a sense for the types of cases we have taken over the years, take a look at our list of “Top 40 Cases.”

We are generally limited to taking action against the government, so a good rule of thumb is: if it does not involve a public entity, the ACLU probably can’t assist. We do not handle private disputes, such as those that may occur between neighbors or between landlords and tenants. We are also unable to handle private employment problems, such as disagreements between you and your supervisor or company.

Q. I’m not sure if the ACLU handles my type of situation. Should I send in my complaint?
A. If you are uncertain as to whether you should file a complaint with the ACLU, you may call our office to find out. We won’t be able to give you legal advice, or guarantee that we will take your case, but we can tell you whether or not your complaint sounds appropriate for review.

Q. It sounds like the ACLU is not the right organization to help me. What do I do now?
A.. There are many organizations in Rhode Island that provide free or low-cost legal services. Many of these organizations have eligibility criteria based on income or case type. You should contact each one directly to find out exactly what those criteria are. If they can’t help you, ask them if they can point you in the right direction.

Good Luck!