Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have significant consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines.  It is imperative that anyone facing such a charge understand what challenges they will encounter.  Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced DWI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options. 

What happens if I was arrested for DWI?
Under Rhode Island law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you.  The Criminal Action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the Administrative Action is brought against your driver’s license by the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles.  While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately. 

Administrative Hearing
Pursuant to Rhode Island law, an individual has 15 days to request a hearing from the Department of Motor Vehicles.  If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame.  In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days.          

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

Jail Time
A first time DWI offender will face imprisonment of up to 1 year. 

Monetary Fines
The fine for a first time DWI offender with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of between 0.08% and 0.10% is $100.00, up to $300.00, plus fees.  An offender with a BAC of between 0.10% and 0.15% is subject to a maximum fine of $400.00, plus fees.  A first time DWI offender with a BAC of 0.15% or higher will pay a fine of $500.00, plus fees. 

Driving Privileges
A DWI conviction results in the suspension of driving privileges for 30 days, up to 180 days for offenders with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10%.  The offender’s license is suspended for 3 months, up to 12 months for a BAC between 0.10% and 0.15%.  An offender with a BAC of 0.15% or above faces a license suspension of 3 months, up to 18 months.

Community Restitution
A first time DWI offender will be required to perform 10 to 60 hours of public community restitution.

Chemical Test Refusal
Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 180 days, up to 1 year.  Additionally, the offender will be fined between $200.00 and $500.00 for the refusal, and ordered to perform 10 to 60 hours of public community restitution. 

Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04.  A first time DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver’s license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license. 

Alcohol Evaluation
Successful completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and any treatment program required by the evaluating agency is required for reinstatement of driving privileges. 

DWI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations.  Due to the complexity of DWI laws, you may not be aware of your rights and the potential defenses available to your case.  An experienced and competent attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process.  Please contact a lawyer for an immediate, free consultation.