Rhode Island DUI Laws: The Basics You Should Know
What are Rhode Island DUI laws? What are the consequences for first, second and third offenses? How can a lawyer help someone once charged with a DUI? Since Rhode Island laws are very strict when it comes to drunk driving, you should at least be familiar with them. There are three main factors for penalties: how many violations you’ve committed, your age, and blood alcohol content (BAC) levels. If you’re charged with a DWI or DUI and caused serious injury or the death of an individual, this is a felony. Possible consequences of a DUI are license suspension, fees, community service, and possible jail time. Let’s check out what Rhode Island DUI laws have to say.
According to Section 31-27-2 Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs for Rhode Island, whoever drives or uses a vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and endure consequences.
Chemical Tests
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Usually, after an officer pulls you over and suspects you have been drinking, they’ll have you submit yourself to a chemical test. You have the right to refuse a blood alcohol content test, however, you will face penalties under the Implied Consent laws. Rather than outright refusing, refuse only if it benefits you. Here are the potential penalties depending on your age:
The first offense as an adult (18 years old and older):
Fine: $200 to $500
Community Service: 10 to 60 hours
Suspended drivers license: 6 months to 1 year
The 1st offense under 18 years old:
Fine: $200 to $500
Community Service: 10 to 60 hours
Suspended license: 6 months
Rhode Island DUI laws for a first violation
For a first violation committed with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.08% and 0.1%:
Fine: $100 to $300
Community Service: 10 to 60 hours
Jail Time: up to 1 yearFirst violation with blood alcohol content between 0.1% and 0.15%, or if the blood alcohol concentration is unknown:
Fine: $100 to $400
Community Service: 10 to 60 hours
Jail Time: up to 1 year
Driving license suspended: 3 to 12 months
Since this is more severe, you’ll have to attend a program for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.The first violation with blood alcohol concentration 0.15% and above, or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown:
Fine: $500
Community Service: 20 to 60 hours
Jail Time: up to one year.
Driving license suspended: 3 to 18 months
Additionally, you’ll attend a course covering driving while intoxicated or under the influence.
Rhode Island DUI laws for a second violation
A second violation within a five-year period with a blood alcohol content between .08% and 0.15%, or if the blood alcohol concentration is unknown:
Fine: $400
Driving license suspended: 2 years
Jail Time: 10 days to 1 year
Moreover, you will have to participate in a program addressing driving while under the influence or on drugs.A second violation within a five-year with blood alcohol content 0.15% or above:
Fine: $1,000
Jail Time: 6 months to 1 year
Driving license suspended: 2 years from the date of completion of the sentence imposed.
Also, the judge will choose an alcohol or drug treatment for the individual.
Rhode Island DUI laws for a third violation
Third or next violation within a five-year with a blood alcohol content between 0.08% to 0.15%, or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown:
Fine: $400
Jail Time: 1 year to 3 years
Driving license suspended: 2 to 3 years
Lastly, the judge decides on a drug or alcohol program appropriate for the individual.Third or subsequent violation within a five-year period with a blood alcohol content of 0.15% or above:
Fine: $1,000 to $5,000
Jail Time: 3 years to 5 years
Driving license suspended: 3 years from the completion date of the sentence imposed.
Furthermore, the judge will choose an alcohol or drug treatment suitable for the individual.If you’re caught driving while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, or substance with a suspended license, you’ll be guilty of a felony. While you might think this is harsh, this is how seriously Rhode Island takes the safety of their citizens. Consequences will include imprisonment for at most three years, a fine of three thousand dollars maximum, and alcohol or drug treatment.
What can an expert DUI Lawyer do for me?
The short answer, a lot. A skilled, seasoned DUI attorneys can achieve various goals in defending your case. These professionals can help reduce any penalties by evaluating the details of your traffic stop, determining whether your sobriety tests were properly administered and analyzing various other details. Assessing the scientific accuracy of your blood test, your breath test and chemical tests are critical to reducing your sentence. Hiring a qualified individual to build a strong defense and attack the prosecution’s case provides the best chance of avoiding a DUI or DWI conviction.
Summary of Rhode Island DUI laws
In conclusion, depending on your blood alcohol levels and if you’ve caused bodily harm to another human being, determine the severity of the consequences you’ll face. As a result, fines, community service, jail time are standard. Furthermore, if your crime is more severe, an alcohol or drug program and suspension of drivers license will be added to the list.