Rhode Island Drunk Driving Penalties

Driving with a BAC level of more than 0.08 is a serious offence and attracts severe Rhode Island drunk driving penalties. The penalties apply not only when you get convicted, but also when you refuse to take the field sobriety test at the time of the dui stop. The field sobriety test is crucial to determine the level of blood alcohol concentration. If you refuse to take the test, it will be treated as a serious offence and will attract additional mandatory penalties, which will remain intact even if the charges against you get dismissed in the court. As you can see, the state of Rhode Island has enacted a zero tolerance policy when it comes to dealing with the cases of drunk driving.

First Dui Conviction In Rhode Island

The first conviction brings the following Rhode Island drunk driving penalties.

- You will have to get enrolled in a special dwi school and complete a specific program.
- If BAC level recorded at the time of dui arrest exceeded 0.15 your driving license will be suspended for a period of three to eighteen months
- If the BAC level is less than 0.15 but more than 0.08, the license will be suspended for a period of three to twelve months
- You will also have to pay a highway assessment fee of $500
- If BAC exceeds 0.15, you will pay a monetary fine of $500; in general, the fee can be charged up to $400 (at least $100 is mandatory)
- From ten to sixty hours of participation in a specific community service program.
- You are also very much likely to be sent to jail for a period of twelve months (not mandatory)

Second Dui Conviction In Rhode Island

The following Rhode Island drunk driving penalties apply for a second time conviction.

- Completing a drug or alcohol treatment program
- If BAC level is above 0.15, license will be suspended for a period of twenty-four months. Otherwise, in general, the license suspension may occur for a period ranging from one year to two years.
- $500 of fee for highway assessment
- If BAC exceed 0.15, you will pay a fine of $1000; in general, the fine can be up to $400
- In case BAC is above 0.15, the jail imprisonment period will range from six months to twelve months; otherwise, the jail term can be anywhere between ten days to three hundred and sixty five days

Third Dui Conviction In Rhode Island

You will face the following Rhode Island drunk driving penalties when you get convicted for a third time.

- Completing a specific drug or alcohol treatment program is again mandatory
- It is also very much likely, though not mandatory, that your vehicle will be seized.
- At least three years of license suspension if the BAC exceed 0.15
- Two to three years of license suspension in general
- $500 as highway assessment fee
- Fine of up to $5000 (minimum $1000 is mandatory) if BAC exceed 0.15
- $400 of fine in general
- Three to five years in jail if BAC exceeds 0.15
- One to three years in jail imprisonment in BAC is 0.15 or less

The above details are just meant to provide you a general overview. For more detailed information regarding what types of Rhode Island drunk driving penalties might be applicable in your specific dui case, you are advised to consult with an experienced Rhode Island dui attorney.