Learn More About The Law When It Comes To Dui In States Like Rhode Island And Why Should Consult A Ri Dui Lawyer When Charged Accordingly

By Author: Law Office of John R. Grasso
Total Articles: 36
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Alcohol-impaired driving, or DUI in short, is a serious offense in most parts of the world. In America, and more specifically in Rhode Island, a DUI conviction can result in steep fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, you may even be subject to all three penalties.
The first thing you should do if you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Rhode Island is to call a RI DUI lawyer. Your lawyer will address the court on your behalf and work towards having the charges against you dropped or reduced to a fine, particularly if it is a first-time crime. On the other hand, if you decide to represent yourself and appear in court without a RI DUI lawyer, you risk facing a harsh punishment that could impact very negatively on your life.
Some people may think that finding the best legal counsel for their case is an expensive endeavor, but the cost of not doing so could be far higher. For example, when you are charged with a misdemeanour like DUI and you do not want to end up paying an expensive fine or ending up in jail, it is in your best ...
... interest to rely on the knowledge and experience of a specialized attorney.
What is the legal alcohol limit in Rhode Island?
If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is greater than 0.08%, you may be charged with DUI in the state of Rhode Island. Any person over the age of 21 is subject to this legal blood alcohol limit. It is also worth noting that this blood alcohol level measurement drops significantly from .08% to.04% if the person is operating a commercial vehicle, which is defined in Rhode Island as any vehicle that requires the operator to have a CDL license. This increases the likelihood that the person will be over the legal limit after just one beer.
Police officers, however, cannot legally arrest or detain a driver without conducting a BAC test, and they also cannot detain someone purely on the suspicion that the driver might be intoxicated, because of a faint smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath.
Legally, a police officer is obliged and must demonstrate that you have consumed more alcohol than is permitted, which is typically proven by a standard test (breathalyser). You have no legal right to decline the test, and if you do, the court may find that you broke the law.
It must be proven that the person in question (the motorist/driver) had an alcohol concentration greater than 0.08% at the time he was pulled over by the police. Even if an intoxicated driver is pulled over by the police, he or she still has legal rights, including the right to contact a RI DUI lawyer, the right to be treated with respect, and the right to know what to expect during the investigation, and so on.
Why do I need to consult a DUI lawyer?
A competent RI DUI lawyer is not only knowledgeable about all the technical aspects involved in a DUI arrest, but they also use their training and experience to protect their client’s legal rights, and they work effortlessly to assist clients who have been charged with DUI and Breathalyzer Refusal, to achieve a better outcome.
Some defense lawyers in Rhode Island have had great success getting Breathalyzer Refusal and DUI cases brought against their clients dismissed by the court (pretrial), particularly when it comes to arrests that lacked probable cause because a police officer didn't follow the law and ensure accurate breathalyzer findings.
If you are found guilty of a DUI charge, you will probably have to pay a fine, enroll in treatment, and in some cases, your license may be suspended for a while. However, if you are a repeat offender, you could be subject to a steep fine, lose your license permanently, and even go to jail if your drunk driving resulted in someone else's death or serious injury. The best course of action is therefore to have a lawyer at your side to defend your case.
About us
Since passing the bar exam in 2010, John Grasso has been practicing law in Rhode Island. As a lawyer and former police officer, he is in a unique position to have a thorough understanding of the law. He graduated from Roger Williams School of Law and went on to have a prosperous legal career in Rhode Island. John Grasso is also a professor of law, and teaches legal courses at the University of Roger Williams. John Grasso’s Law Practice always makes sure they work with their clients to obtain justice and the best outcome possible, even in the most difficult circumstances. This skilled group of defense lawyers is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to take on a wide variety of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Please visit their website at http://www.johngrassolaw.com for more information.