RI Drunk Driver Laws Are Tough, But Drunk Driving Fatalities Are Still High
Rhode Island drunk driving laws are some of the toughest in New England, and if you happened to get nabbed, your next step is to find the best lawyer your money can buy.
You're going to need it.
Why? Because even with a first offense, you could see jail time-something a top lawyer can help you avoid.
RI laws are tough for a reason.
Recently, the state was given the dubious honor of being named as one of the Fatal Fifteen-the states with the highest percentage DUI-related car fatalities.
In fact, RI was third in that list, a fact that has led to tougher DUI laws in hopes of cracking down on drunk drivers.
Latest statistics from the U.
S.
Department of Transportation show limited improvement from 2006.
For the first DUI offenses in RI, you can find yourself in jail for up to a year and/or fines of $500, from 10 to 60 hours of community service, driver's license suspension of between 3 and 18 months, and mandatory drunk driving courses.
The penalties are wide ranging, and often depend on blood alcohol levels, as well as the events leading up to the arrest.
But they can also depend on how well your attorney handles your case.
In Rhode Island, as in all states, you are considered impaired if your blood alcohol level is greater than.
08.
Penalties increase the higher the blood alcohol level is at the time of arrest.
The second offense fines go up to as much as $1,000, the chance of jail time is greater, license suspensions increase and offenders must have a ignition interlock device, a breathalyzer-like tool that will not let a car start if it detects alcohol levels above a pre-determined level.
In Rhode Island, a third DUI conviction within five years of the second conviction is considered a felony, and the offender could see as many as five years behind bars.
Of course, the best way to avoid being arrested for DUI is not drink and drive.
We all know this, and yet many people admit to driving while legally impaired.
If you do drink and drive and find yourself arrested, hire an attorney who specializes in DUI defense.
You're going to need it.
Why? Because even with a first offense, you could see jail time-something a top lawyer can help you avoid.
RI laws are tough for a reason.
Recently, the state was given the dubious honor of being named as one of the Fatal Fifteen-the states with the highest percentage DUI-related car fatalities.
In fact, RI was third in that list, a fact that has led to tougher DUI laws in hopes of cracking down on drunk drivers.
Latest statistics from the U.
S.
Department of Transportation show limited improvement from 2006.
For the first DUI offenses in RI, you can find yourself in jail for up to a year and/or fines of $500, from 10 to 60 hours of community service, driver's license suspension of between 3 and 18 months, and mandatory drunk driving courses.
The penalties are wide ranging, and often depend on blood alcohol levels, as well as the events leading up to the arrest.
But they can also depend on how well your attorney handles your case.
In Rhode Island, as in all states, you are considered impaired if your blood alcohol level is greater than.
08.
Penalties increase the higher the blood alcohol level is at the time of arrest.
The second offense fines go up to as much as $1,000, the chance of jail time is greater, license suspensions increase and offenders must have a ignition interlock device, a breathalyzer-like tool that will not let a car start if it detects alcohol levels above a pre-determined level.
In Rhode Island, a third DUI conviction within five years of the second conviction is considered a felony, and the offender could see as many as five years behind bars.
Of course, the best way to avoid being arrested for DUI is not drink and drive.
We all know this, and yet many people admit to driving while legally impaired.
If you do drink and drive and find yourself arrested, hire an attorney who specializes in DUI defense.
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