R.I. Fam. R. Crim. P. 30
At the close of the evidence or at such earlier time during the trial as the court reasonably directs, any party may file written requests that the court instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the request. At the same time copies of such request shall be furnished to adverse parties. If a defendant relies upon an affirmative defense, or justification, or matter in mitigation and wishes the court to instruct the jury with respect to such, the defendant shall so advise the court in writing no later than at the close of the evidence. No party may assign as error any portion of the charge or omission therefrom unless the party objects thereto before the jury retires to consider its verdict, stating distinctly the matter to which the party objects and the grounds of the party's objection. Objections shall be made out of the presence of the jury.
The court, in its discretion, may provide written copies of the instructions to the jury in addition to the oral instructions that are given. If the court provides written copies of the instructions to the jury, the instructions shall be provided in full.
R.I. Fam. R. Crim. P. 30