| Most DUI offenses result in misdemeanor charges. A | | | | person will be charged with a felony in Rhode Island. |
| misdemeanor is a relatively minor charge, defined by | | | | They include receiving a DUI charge for the third time, |
| the maximum amount of time a person can spend in | | | | or causing an accident that results in the injury or |
| jail-- usually about a year. A felony, on the other hand, | | | | death of another party. |
| is defined by the minimum amount of time a person | | | | The penalties for a felony charge DUI can include: |
| can be sentenced to jail. Depending on the state in | | | | - A fine of up to $5000 |
| which the DUI occurred, DUI offenders can face up to | | | | - 2 to 3 year suspension of driver's license |
| one year in jail and receive fines of up to $1000, and | | | | - From 1 to 5 years in jail |
| penalties vary depending on the offender's blood | | | | - Enrollment in driving programs or alcohol and drug |
| alcohol content (BAC) level, the number of previous | | | | treatment programs |
| offenses, and age. | | | | - Installation of an ignition interlock device in vehicle, to |
| In Rhode Island, the charges for first time DUI | | | | remain up to 2 years |
| offenders can include: | | | | A DUI charge for an accident that resulted in the death |
| - A fine of $100-$300 | | | | of another person can include: |
| - 1-6 month suspension of driver's license | | | | - A fine of up to $10,000 |
| - Up to one year of jail time | | | | - 5 year license suspension |
| - 10 to 60 hours of community service | | | | - Up to 15 years in jail |
| - Enrollment in driving school or in alcohol treatment | | | | A DUI offender with a BAC above 0.1 will harsher |
| programs | | | | penalties. Also, offenders under the age of 21 face a |
| - Additional fees | | | | different set of penalties, usually less strict than the |
| Charges for second time DUI offenders within five | | | | ones listed above, and more focused on alcohol |
| years can include: | | | | awareness, treatment programs, and community |
| - A fine of $400 | | | | service rather than on incarceration. |
| - Up to 2 years suspension of driver's license | | | | The range of DUI penalties can be overwhelming and |
| - From 10 days up to 1 year in jail | | | | confusing. If you have been convicted of a DUI, the |
| - Enrollment in driving or alcohol and drug treatment | | | | penalty you receive will be based on your particular |
| programs | | | | situation. To learn more about DUI penalties and how |
| - Installation of an ignition interlock device in vehicle, to | | | | they might be lessened, visit the website of Rhode |
| remain up to 2 years | | | | Island DUI attorney James Powderly. |
| There are two types of DUI cases under which a | | | | |