Rhode Island makes it clear that they are taking driving while under the influence very seriously. If you are pulled over and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08, you will be facing license suspension, jail time, and fines. Drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers will face even lower BAC limits. If you choose to get behind the wheel and drive when you have been drinking or taking drugs, you are going to face some big restrictions on your life.
First DUI Offense
There are three different levels of suspension, depending upon the blood alcohol level. A BAC of up to .08 will mean that you lose your license for anywhere from 30 to 180 days, while a BAC of up to .15 will result in a suspension of 3 months to 12 months and a BAC of over .15 will result in suspension of 3 months to 18 months. As far as jail sentencing, you will face up to a year in jail and community service of anywhere from 10 to 60 hours. Fines will be $100 to $300 for the lower level penalty, $100 to $400 for the higher penalty and a fine of $500 for the highest penalty. These fines will not include the highway assessment of $500 and other court and sentencing costs. In addition to all this, you will also have to attend a special course on Driving While Intoxicated.
Second DUI Offense
A second DUI offense within five years of the first will result in license suspension of up to two years, depending upon your blood alcohol level. You will be facing anywhere from 10 days to six months to 1 year of jail time, depending upon your blood alcohol level as well. When you look at the fines you will be facing a fine of $400 for the lowest blood alcohol level and $1000 for the highest blood alcohol level. This will not include the costs of the highway assessment fee of $500, the installation of the ignition interlock device that will be required for 1 to 2 years, or the mandatory alcohol or drug treatment, in addition to any court costs or lawyer fees that you are responsible for.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI conviction will be a felony charge, which means that it will follow you around for the rest of your life. License suspension will be from 2 to 3 years, depending upon your blood alcohol level and other aggravating factors of your arrest. In addition, you will have to install an ignition interlock device for a period of 2 years following your suspension sentence. Jail time will be a minimum of 1 year up to 3 years for a blood alcohol level of up to .08 and a minimum of 3 years up to 5 years for a blood alcohol level of above .15. Fines will be from $400 to $5000, depending upon your blood alcohol level and this cost will not include the $500 highway assessment fee and the other costs that are associated with carrying out your sentencing. Alcohol or drug treatment will be required, as well as your vehicle may be seized by the State of Rhode Island.
When you decide to get behind the wheel of your car after drinking and driving, you will be facing some very strict and intensive punishments and penalties. A lawyer can help you to get the advice and information that you need to make it through the legal process. If you are charged with a DUI, you want to be sure that you get legal representation.