What are the penalties for a Rhode Island DUI Charge?

Rhode Island DUI laws provide that whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance is guilty of a misdemeanor (except if violation is a third violation within 5 years) and shall be punished as follows:

First violation:

• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% but less than .1%, or where there is any controlled substance present in the blood, a fine of not less than $100 and no more than $300; 10 to 60 hours of public community restitution, and/or imprisonment for up to one year; mandatory special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance; license suspension for 30 to 180 days.
• BAC of .1% or above but less than .15%, or if the BAC is unknown, a fine of not less than $100 and no more than $400; 10 to 60 hours of public community restitution and/or imprisonment for up to one year; license suspension for three to twelve months; a special DUI course and/or alcohol or drug treatment.
• BAC of .15% or above, or offender under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any controlled substance, a fine of $500; 20 60 hours of public community restitution and/or imprisonment for up to one year; license suspension for 3 to 18 months; special DUI course and/or alcohol or drug treatment.

Second violation within a 5-year period:

• BAC of .08% or above but less than .15% or BAC is unknown or controlled substance in the blood, mandatory fine o $400; license suspension for one to two years; imprisonment of 10 days to one year (not less than 48 hours served consecutively); alcohol or drug treatment; interlock system placed on car for one to two years following sentence completion.
• BAC of .15% or above or controlled substance in the blood, imprisonment of not less than six months to one year; a fine not less than $1,000; license suspension for two years from date of sentence completion.

Third or subsequent violation within a 5-year period (felony):

• BAC of .08% or above but less than .15% or BAC is unknown or controlled substance in the blood, a fine of $400; license suspension of two to three years; imprisonment of not less than one year and no more than three years (not less than 48 hours served consecutively); alcohol or drug treatment; interlock system for two years following sentence completion.
• BAC of .15% or above or controlled substance in the blood, imprisonment of not less than three years and no more than five years; fine of not less than $1,000 and no more than $5,000; license suspension for three years after sentence completion.
• possible seizure and sale of vehicle and proceeds transferred to a general fund.

Talk with an attorney as soon as possible if you face DUI charges in Rhode Island to defend against possible prosecution and/or conviction.