Completing Your Court-Mandated Community Service Hours
Fulfilling Your Community Service:
When you are given a court order to complete community service, you are responsible for
following through. The court will give you paperwork that describes what your offense was,
how much community service is required, what fees you have to pay the court and what
documentation is required. It is important that you read through your community service
paperwork and if you have any questions, that you talk with your case manager.
Community Service Requirements:
Community service must be done at a nonprofit organization. Examples are: Senior citizen
centers, libraries, fire departments, animal shelters, youth organizations, the YMCA, food
banks, community shelters, or approved programs at URI through Dean of Students Office.
Instruction sheets are available at the 4th District Courthouse and Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.
Transportation:
Please note that transportation time to and from service projects DOES NOT count towards
your number of service hours. Additionally, you are responsible for finding a means of
transportation to and from each service project. If you are unable to find a means of
transportation, or you are unexpectedly unable to attend, contact the project coordinator as
soon as possible to let them know.
Opportunities:
Although you may be completing community service for a court order, there are still
opportunities available to you through this experience. You have the opportunity to become
more involved in the field you would like to study, and it is also possible that through certain
community service and volunteer projects, you might make a connection for an internship later
on. Therefore, try and choose service projects that are geared towards your major and area of
interest.
The Community:
Keep in mind that although you are doing community service, the community is also doing you
a service in providing a place, and projects for you to complete. Please be respectful of your
peers and your surroundings when completing your service projects. Your actions can impact
the community in many ways. Try to give back to the community that is helping you by being a
positive example for others.
Remember: Service is a great way to network too! Take advantage of this opportunity to not
only make a difference but some connections too. Find service experiences that are interesting
and possibly connect to your major and career path.
Checklist
It is your responsibility to make sure you know exactly what needs to be done in order to satisfy your
court-mandated community service requirements. Your requirements are decided by the court and vary
depending on the offense. However, one thing that is usually required is a signed letter head, verifying
the completion of your court-mandated service hours.
Date
Agency Name
Number of Hours
Completed
Total: