Have you been charged with a DUI?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense that comes with severe consequences. When you're charged with a DUI, you can be facing license suspension, fines, community services, alcohol classes, increased insurance premiums, and possibly jail time. Being charged with a DUI can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Here's what you need to know about DUI's and how it can impact your life.
Penalties for DUI in RI:
- Possible Incarceration
- Fines, fees, and court costs
- Driver's license suspension
- Completion of a safety driving course
- Alcohol education classes
- Administrative penalties by the DMV
- Community Service
The above-referenced penalties depend on your blood alcohol content (BAC), whether it's your first DUI charge, and whether or not you submitted to the chemical test.
If you are charged with a DUI and convicted, you are facing the following penalties:
First Offense DUI Penalties
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Driver's license suspension between 30 to 180 days
- Fines, costs, and assessments up to $800
- 10 to 60 hours of community service at a non-profit organization/agency
- Completion of a safety driver program
- Completion of an alcohol education program
Second Offense DUI Penalties
To be charged as a second offense DUI, you must have a prior DUI conviction, within the past 5 years. The penalties are greater and more severe for a second DUI offense because it carries a minimum 10 days in jail if you are convicted for a second offense. The penalties include:
- Mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail and up to 1 year in jail
- Driver's license suspension from 1 to 2 years
- Alcohol/drug treatment program
- Fines, fees, and assessments of up to $1200
Third Offense DUI Penalties
For you to be charged with a third offense DUI, you must have received two prior DUI convictions within the past 5 years. If you have been convicted of two prior DUI offenses, the third DUI charge turns into a felony, instead of a misdemeanor, and your case will be handled at the Rhode Island Superior Court. Penalties for a third offense DUI conviction include:
- Mandatory minimum of 1 year in jail and up to 3 years in jail
- Driver's license suspension ranging from 2 to 3 years
- Alcohol/Drug treatment program
- Fines, fees, and assessments of $1200 or greater
If you have been charged with a first, second, or third DUI offense, call the Law Offices of Tanya M. Gravel, for a free consultation.
