R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-18: Power of surety on recognizance over principal.

Every person who shall be surety in any recognizance to keep the peace, or for the appearance of any person accused or of any witness, or in any recognizance which shall be given on claiming an appeal, shall have the same power and authority over his or her principal as though he or she were bail for the principal in any civil cause.