Sometimes Connecticut residents travel to other states, like Rhode Island, for business or pleasure and have the unfortunate luck to be charged with a DUI. If this happens to you, you should first find a qualified DUI lawyer in Rhode Island, but you should also be aware of how Connecticut’s DMV will treat you upon your return.

Rhode Island DUI Penalties

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Rhode Island, you would be convicted of violating section 31-27-2  of the Rhode Island statutes.

In Rhode Island, the penalties for DUI can range depending on the number of prior DUI offenses you have.

First offense (BAC .08-.1): This offense carries a $100-$300 fine, imprisonment for up to one year, 10-60 hours of community service, and a license suspension for 30-180 days.

First offense (BAC .15 or higher): This conviction will result in a fine of $500, a jail sentence for up to one year, 20-60 hours of community service, an a license suspension from 3-18 months.

Second offense (Unknown BAC or BAC .08-.15): This conviction will result in a fine of $400, a license suspension for 1-2 years, and a minimum jail sentence of ten days (maximum sentence of one year). Once your license is reinstated, you must install an ignition interlock system on your vehicle for two years, or your vehicle will be on probation for two years.

Second offense (BAC .15 or higher): This conviction carries a fine of $1,000, a license suspension of two years, and a jail sentence of no less than six months, but no more than one year.

Third offense (BAC unknown or .08-.15): The penalties for this offense are a fine of $400, a license suspension for two to three years, and a minimum jail sentence of one year (the maximum sentence is three years). Your motor vehicle will also be on probation for two years unless you have an ignition interlock system installed for two years after your license is reinstated.

Third offense (BAC .15 or higher): The penalties for this offense are imprisonment for at least three years, but no more than five, a fine from $1,000-$5,000, and a license suspension for three years.

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been charged with or convicted of DUI in Rhode Island, you should be aware that there are repercussions on your Connecticut license in your home state in addition to any license impact in Rhode Island as set forth above.

After hiring a Rhode Island DUI lawyer to help you fight your DUI, you should consider contacting a Connecticut DUI lawyer like our firm that has worked with interstate DMV consequences or asking us to assist you in retaining one for your home state consequences.