For many people, the time between when they’re first stopped by law enforcement and their arrival at a police station or jail is a blur. It’s easy to lose track, if you even knew in the first place, of what legal rights you have at any given moment. The question of...
Criminal Law
Failing a breath test doesn’t automatically lead to a conviction
The evidence that the state gathers will determine what happens when you face criminal charges. For those accused of driving under the influence (DUI), prosecutors will likely rely on the combination of information about their driving before the traffic stop,...
A teen could get a DUI when they feel sober
Many adults who get pulled over on drunk driving charges know that they're risking a DUI when they get behind the wheel. They feel buzzed or even intoxicated, and they still choose to drive. If they felt sober, they would know that they weren't really running a risk...
Drunksgiving? Danksgiving? Both are bad ideas
Depending on your drug of choice (alcohol or cannabis), you may call the night before Thanksgiving either “Drunksgiving” or “Danksgiving.” The bars and the police tend to call it “Blackout Wednesday” because of the sheer number of people who will celebrate with just a...
Can you protect your license when facing a DUI in Rhode Island?
Charges of driving under the influence (DUI) in Rhode Island come with numerous possible penalties. You may have to pay fines and could go to jail. The state will also likely suspend your license. The length of the suspension depends on someone's driving record. Those...
Avoiding the consequences of a DUI
If you’re stopped by the police under suspicion of driving while impaired, it’s important for you to know that you have a right to speak with your attorney and to say nothing to the police about your case until your attorney has an opportunity to speak with you. It’s...
How much does a first-time DUI really cost?
Some people believe that a first-time DUI isn’t really that bad. They believe that they’ll pay a fine and get their license back, moving on with their lives pretty quickly. One thing to remember is that even a first-time DUI could result in the loss of your license...
Man charged for DUI, other crimes after rollover crash on Route 24
If you’re out on parole, are on bond or have a history of violating the law, it’s important not to break any laws again. If you do, you could find yourself back under arrest and facing much more serious charges. If you're convicted, you could also face harsher...
Can you refuse a breath test to avoid a DUI in Rhode Island?
If you swerve over the centerline, forget to turn your headlights on or drive well under the speed limit, it's possible that Rhode Island police officers will suspect that you are driving under the influence. They may pull you over and attempt to confirm whether or...
When can police officers stop a suspected drunk driver?
Police officers have a duty to keep the roads safe for everyone on them. One of the tasks they have to do to make this happen is stopping drivers they think are impaired. For this reason, it’s possible for police officers to stop a vehicle based on a reasonable...