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Saving Your Rhode Island License

Can you afford not to drive for the next twelve months? How will you get to work, pick up your children or go buy groceries? Under Rhode Island law, you are facing a 6-12 month loss of license if you refused to submit to the breath test. Even if you submitted to the breath test, a conviction for the DUI offense can trigger a loss of license. To make matters worse, Rhode Island does not provide what is known as hardship licenses that enable restrictive privileges to drive to work and/or school.

I am an experienced DUI attorney and can help prevent the state from revoking your driver’s license. Upon arrest you were given a hearing date to be held within the following 30 days. This hearing is very important! I will guide and assist you through the entire process and vigorously work to protect your license. Contact us now for a free case consultation (401) 662-9006 24/7.

31-27-2.1 Refusal to submit to chemical test. – (a) Any person who operates a motor vehicle within this state shall be deemed to have given his or her consent to chemical tests of his or her breath, blood, and/or urine for the purpose of determining the chemical content of his or her body fluids or breath.

First Refusal Violation

  • $200-$500 fine
  • 10-60 hours community service
  • License suspension 6-12 months
  • Alcohol driving course and alcohol and/or drug treatment program

Second Refusal Violation within 5 years

  • Guilty of a misdemeanor
  • Imprisonment up to 6 month
  • $600-$1000 fine
  • 60-100 hours community service
  • License suspension 1-2 years
  • Alcohol and/or drug treatment program

Third Refusal Violation within 5 years

  • Guilty of a misdemeanor
  • Imprisonment up to 12 months
  • $800-$1000 fine *100 hours community service
  • License suspension 2-5 years
  • Alcohol and/or drug treatment program

Provided, that prior to the reinstatement of a license to a person charged with a third or subsequent violation within a three (3) year period, a hearing shall be held before a judge. At the hearing the judge shall review the person’s driving record, his or her employment history, family background, and any other pertinent factors that would indicate that the person has demonstrated behavior which warrants the reinstatement of his or her license.