Drunk Driving Defense
Providence Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
experienced Rhode island dui lawyer
Drunk and/or drugged driving is referred to as DWI (driving while intoxicated) in Rhode Island. This is a very serious charge and not taken lightly by prosecutors and judges who wish to keep the public safe from traffic accidents.
Like all other states, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while operating a motor vehicle in Rhode Island is .08 percent. If your BAC measures that amount, you are considered legally impaired and will automatically be charged with DWI. However, you can also be charged in other circumstances, such as with testimony by the charging police officer that you were “under the influence” of any drug or alcohol regardless of your BAC or with any amount of a controlled substance in your system.
At The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, our defense lawyers can defend you against all DWI charges. It is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. This can involve pleading guilty, pleading no contest, or being found guilty at trial. We recommend that you do not plead guilty until you have spoken with Attorney Beaubien who can assess your case and advise you on where you stand and how he can help. Many avenues of investigation into your charges can be explored that could uncover flaws and weaknesses in the state’s case against you. Only a well-trained criminal defense attorney will know what to look for and how to devise an effective defense strategy that could result in avoiding or minimizing the consequences.
Arrange for a free case review with our Providence drunk driving defense attorney at The Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien by contacting us online or at (401) 213-0771 today. Hablamos español. Also serving clients in Bristol County, Attleboro, Norfolk County, Providence County & throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts.
DWI in Rhode Island
How you are charged for drunk and/or drugged driving will depend on several factors. These can include:
- Your BAC level
- Whether it is your first or a repeat offense
- If you were involved in a traffic accident
- If you caused an injury
- If you caused a death
- If you have a high number of previous moving violations
For example, in the first offense with a BAC ranging from .08 percent up to .10 percent, you will face:
- Jail time of up to a year
- Fines and fees of up to $800
- 10 up to 60 hours of community service
- Loss of your license for 30 up to 180 days
- Potential completion of a driving school program and/or an alcohol treatment program
If your BAC measured between .10 to .15 percent, you would face the same penalties as above except your license suspension will be extended to three up to 12 months and the driving school/alcohol treatment will likely be mandatory. For those whose BAC measured above .15 percent, fines and fees will likely increase to over $1,200.
Second, third, and subsequent offenses will increase your penalties. In addition to these penalties, your auto insurance premiums will likely spike and you will face the burden of having a permanent criminal record.
How Our Rhode Island DUI Lawyers Can Help
If you have been charged with a DUI, you are undoubtedly concerned with fees, license suspension, and even potential jail time. If your license has been suspended, we will work aggressively to get you a hardship license if one is necessary for you to get to work, school, or medical appointments. If you are faced with fines that you cannot pay, we will advocate on your behalf to get them lowered. If the results of your breathalyzer were shown to be inaccurate or faulty, or if the arresting officer did not follow protocol, we will work to have the charges against you thrown out.
Give us a call or contact us online here to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Rhode Island DUI lawyers today.
