Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Rhode Island

Those convicted of a first-offense DUI in Rhode Island will face a jail sentence of up to a year, fines, community service, loss of their driver's license, DUI school and / or alcohol counseling, and assessments. How these penalties will stack up will depend on the level of their intoxication at the time of the incident as measured in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on a chemical test.

A BAC of .08 to .10 percent carries fines of $100 to $400, 10 to 60 hours of community service, the loss of driving privileges for 1 to 6 months as well as DUI school / alcohol counseling, and assessments. A BAC of .10 to .15 or unknown BAC is punishable by all of the same previously mentioned penalties except that the driver's license loss is 3 to 12 months. A BAC of .15 or above or DUI Drugs carries penalties of a $500 fine, 20 to 60 hours of community service, and 3 to 18 months of a license suspension as well as the other consequences.

Second or subsequent DUIs carry harsher penalties with mandatory jail time. They also are based on the level of driver intoxication per BAC readings. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers reports that the number of DUI-related traffic fatalities in the state rides at 37%.

Rhode Island DUI Defense Attorney

If you are facing DUI charges in Rhode Island, you have the right to your day in court. With the help of an attorney skilled in the field of DUI defense, you may be able to avoid a conviction with all of its negative consequences. The Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey excels in DUI defense. Mr. Humphrey is former prosecutor, bail commissioner, and municipal court judge. He has more than 20 years of litigation experience and has co-authored 15 legal articles on the subject of drunk driving in the state bar's journal. He also prepared the DUI manual used by defense attorneys throughout the state in court proceedings. With that kind of extensive knowledge, background, and skills, your case will be in the hands of a true professional.

Contact his firm for a free case analysis. Get the savvy legal guidance you need after any DUI arrest. Work with an attorney who has the qualifications and experience that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.