The Rhode Lawyer Provides Aggressive DUI Defense
If you are facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Rhode Island, don’t let it go unchallenged. The potential consequences of a conviction are serious. Let our attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Signore work to protect your rights and fight to minimize the negative consequences of an arrest.
To arrange a free consultation, please call us in Providence at 401-273-3000 or complete our contact form. We represent clients throughout Rhode Island.
When Should I Call The Rhode Lawyer?
The answer is right away – or as soon as possible. The sooner our attorney can get involved, the sooner he can start protecting your rights and future. The negative consequences of a DUI conviction are extensive, and you need an experienced lawyer on your side right away to help minimize the negative consequences. Your car could be impounded, your license could be suspended, you could face heavy fines, your insurance rates could rise significantly and you could be facing jail time.
The Penalties For A DUI Conviction In Rhode Island
Let’s look up close at the penalties for DUI. If a person is of legal age and is found to be driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) of between .08 and .15, then they would face the following penalties:
- First violation: Up to one year in prison, a 30- to 180-day license suspension, up to 60 hours of community service, a fine of $100 to $400 and a $500 fee for a highway safety assessment
- Second violation: At least six months to one year in prison, a two- to three-year license suspension, up to 60 hours of community service, a fine of $400 and a $500 fee for a highway safety assessment
- Third violation: One to three years in prison, a two-year license suspension, up to 60 hours of community service, a fine of $400 and mandatory use of an ignition interlock system
In all violations, there could also be an assignment for alcohol or drug treatment. In cases where the BAC is above .15, the fines, loss of license time and jail time all increase.
DUI Defense In Rhode Island
The consequences of a conviction are even more severe if an accident or injury occurred. However, you have several potential defenses, including the following:
- Equipment failure: Breath tests are among the most commonly used tests, but if they aren’t calibrated properly or are incorrectly administered, they can create false positives.
- Violation of your rights: If the police did not have probable cause to pull you over, then any evidence collected or charges against you may be invalid.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of an impaired driver without actually causing impairment.
- Inaccurate field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests are highly subjective, and our lawyer can challenge the interpretation of the results.
His goal is to protect you, and he’ll use all the available defenses to do that.
How Our Attorney Can Help
At the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Signore, our lawyer can help you through every step of the legal process, from guiding you through police questioning to defending you in court. Attorney Lawrence J. Signore is The Rhode Lawyer. He has extensive experience in every aspect of DUI defense, including meeting the filing deadlines, negotiating with prosecutors, seeking reductions of charges and working to reduce sentences. Attorney Signore looks for every opportunity to have charges reduced or dismissed.
Even if you have already been convicted, he may be able to help expunge the DUI from your record, preventing it from showing up in public view, including background checks for job applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges In Rhode Island
DUI charges are serious, and you deserve answers as soon as you can get them. A lot of the time, your questions will rely on specific information about your case. But other questions can be answered more generically, such as those below.
Can I refuse a breath test in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has an implied consent law, which means that if police pull you over, you must comply with a breath test if asked. If you do not, you can face fairly similar penalties to those that apply to DUI offenses, including the loss of your license.
How long does a DUI conviction stay on your record in Rhode Island?
Unless it is expunged, a criminal conviction of any type will stay on your record for life. However, for a DUI conviction, the court only looks back five years to determine the severity of your case.
Can I get a hardship license after a DUI conviction in Rhode Island?
Yes. A hardship license is available along with the use of an ignition interlock device. If the court grants this with an order, you must provide prompt proof of the installation of the device to the state.
How does a DUI affect car insurance rates in Rhode Island?
Having a DUI on your record will increase your car insurance rates for a significant amount of time.
Contact The Rhode Lawyer Today
Too much is at stake to simply accept a DUI conviction. To arrange a free consultation with an experienced DUI defense attorney, call us in Providence at 401-273-3000 or complete our contact form. Our lawyer can assess your case, explain your options and help you seek a favorable outcome.