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DUI penalties in Rhode Island

On Behalf of | Mar 16, 2020 | Firm News |

Rhode Island mandates serious penalties for motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers can receive a DUI conviction for blood alcohol content above 0.08% or any amount of a controlled substance. 

Before facing a court date for this type of offense, familiarize yourself with Rhode Island DUI penalties. 

First offense 

Drivers with no prior DUI convictions may receive: 

  • License suspension for at least 30 days and up to 12 months 
  • Fines from $100 to $450 
  • Up to 12 months in jail 

Elevated penalties apply to drivers convicted of a controlled substance DUI or who had BAC above 0.15% at the time of arrest. These include a license suspension of at least three months and as many as 18 months along with a minimum fine of $500. 

Second offense 

If the driver has one past DUI, he or she may receive: 

  • License suspension for 12 to 24 months 
  • Minimum $450 fine 
  • At least 10 days and up to one year in jail 

Elevated penalties for controlled substance DUI or high BAC include a minimum license suspension of two years, a minimum fine of $1,000, and at least six months and up to 12 months in jail. 

Third offense 

Drivers with a third DUI conviction will receive: 

  • License suspension for two to three years 
  • Minimum $450 fine 
  • At least one year and up to three years in jail 

The elevated penalties for a third offense include three to five years in jail, fines of $1,000 to $5,000 and a minimum three-year license suspension. 

In addition to these base penalties, all convicted DUI offenders must pay a $500 fee for highway safety assessment, use an ignition interlock device when they drive in the future and attend DUI treatment at a court-approved center. Judges have the discretion to exceed the DUI sentencing guidelines depending on the circumstances of a particular case.