As reported by Amanda Milkovits in the December 31, 2012, a West Warwick man has been arrested three (3) times for drunk driving in 2012. He was initially arrested and convicted of drunk driving – first offense in May of 2012. Then, in December of 2012, he was arrested twice for drunk driving. The man is currently being held as a bail violator.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 31-27-2, drunk driving – second offense is a second drunk driving conviction within a five (5) year period. The penalties are increased based on the level of the motorist's BAC readings. For readings between .08 and .15 or unknown readings, the penalties include a $400.00 fine, a license suspension of one (1) to two (2) years, alcohol/drug counseling, ten (10) days to one (1) year imprisonment, costs and assessments. A judge may also require the motorist to have an ignition interlock device on their vehicle after the completion of the sentence.
With readings of .15 or above, the penalties include up to $1,000.00 fine, a license suspension of two (2) years, alcohol/drug treatment, six (6) months to one (1) year imprisonment, costs and assessments.
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 31-27-2, drunk driving – subsequent offense is a third or subsequent drunk driving conviction within a five (5) year period. For readings between .08 and .15 or unknown readings, the penalties include a $400.00 fine, two (2) to three (3) year license suspension, alcohol/drug treatment, one (1) to three (3) years imprisonment, costs and assessments. A judge may also require the motorist to have an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for two (2) years after the completion of the sentence.
With readings of .15 or above, the penalties include a fine of $1,000.00 to $5,000.00, a license suspension of three (3) years, three (3) to five (5) years imprisonment, costs and assessments. In addition, the law allows for the judge to seize the motor vehicle to be sold by the State of Rhode Island and proceeds deposited in the general fund.
If you or a family member has been charged with drunk driving, drunk driving – second offense or other driving related offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.