Rhode Island DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionRhode Island drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving  have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Rhode Island Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Rhode Island:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or ZERO Tolerance.
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Rhode Island Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are convicted of your first DWI with a .08-.10 BAC, you will receive a fine between $100-$300. You will also be ordered to perform from 10-60 hours of community service and you may be sentenced up to 1 year in jail. Your drivers license will be suspended from 30-180 days and you may be ordered to attend a driving while intoxicated course.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are arrested for a DUI in the State of Rhode Island within 5 years of the first conviction, you will be subject to a mandatory fine of $400. Your drivers license will be suspended from 1-2 years and you will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 10 days up to 1 year in jail. You may also be ordered to attend a alcohol and/or drug treatment program and install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of 1-2 years following the completion of the sentence.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are arrested for a 3rd DUI within a 5 year period, you will be guilty of a felony and receive a mandatory $400 fine. Your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 2-3 years and you will be sentenced to no less than 1 year in jail. You will also be required to attend a alcohol or drug treatment program and the judge may require you to install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of 2 years after the completion of your sentence. At the discretion of the judge, your vehicle may be seized and sold by the State of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Drivers License Issues
The implied consent law in Rhode Island means that all drivers that travel the roads of the state agree to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if they are stopped by an officer of the law that suspects a driver of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. If you refuse to submit to such a test, your license will be suspended immediately for 90 days. There will also be other penalties such as community service, a fine, and drunk driving school or a alcohol treatment program. In addition to these penalties you can also be convicted of a DWI if the officer convinces the court that you were intoxicated at the time of the refusal.
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has some very strenuous drunk driving laws. A DUI can cost you your drivers license, it caries heavy fines and penalties, and can even put you in jail. Follow the link to find out more information:
