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Rhode Island DUI - DWI Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
Rhode Island DUI - DWI - Drunk Driving Defense — A cultural stigma has become associated with drunk driving that was not present in our society even a decade ago. Public perception categorizes people charged with drunk driving as criminals, even before they have been convicted of any crime. Being arrested for drunk driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be an unsettling proposition, to say the least. A DUI - DWI conviction in Rhode Island carries with it heavy penalties, including:
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A permanent criminal record
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Suspension or loss of license
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Increased insurance rates
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Community service
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Possible jail or prison time
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Alcohol assessment and treatment
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Probation
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Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture
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Serious fines
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Possible job loss
In almost every DUI-DWI case, a driver has two cases to contend with. The DUI-DWI arrest results in criminal charges, but what most drivers do not realize is that an arrest also initiates a civil proceeding against the arrested motorist’s driving privileges, commonly referred to as a Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) license suspension.
A DMV license
suspension, which is also referred to as an
Administrative License Suspension (ALS), is
initiated against an arrested driver when he
either refuses to submit to breath or blood
testing, or alternatively, fails a breath or
blood test. The legal authority to impose a DMV
or ALS suspension against a driver lies in the
Rhode Island
implied consent statute. The implied
consent law states that each person who operates
a motor vehicle on Rhode Island
roadways has
impliedly consented to provide a specimen of
breath or blood if arrested for DUI-DWI and
provided with the applicable consequences of
refusing to submit to testing. Issues involved
in a DMV or ALS license suspension hearing
include the following:
- Whether the law enforcement officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the driver
- Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest the motorist for drunk driving
-
Whether the officer complied with
Rhode Island
implied consent law in terms of offering an opportunity to provide a specimen of blood or breath - Whether the driver refused to provide a specimen of blood or breath or failed a breath or blood test by registering al alcohol concentration of .08 or greater.
If you have been arrested or accused of drunk driving, DUI, DWI, or any other alcohol-related criminal offense, you need to hire well qualified legal counsel
The selection of an experienced attorney is the first step towards regaining control of your life!
Contact us today by Email or call us today at (401) 788-0600 to speak with a representative from our firm..