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Rhode Island DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Providence Available 24/7, Year-Round: (401) 354-2255

In Rhode Island, adults 21 years or older can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher. Being charged with DUI is a serious offense, as it can expose a person to the possibility of jail time, expensive fines and a lengthy driver’s license suspension. If you have been arrested on DUI charges in Rhode Island, a Providence DUI attorney from the Law Office of Jason Knight can defend you against your charges and advocate for a desirable outcome on your behalf.

Rhode Island DUI Penalties

First time DUI offenders may see the following penalties:

  • Fines from $100-$300
  • License suspension for 1-6 months
  • Maximum sentence of up to 1 year in jail
  • 10-60 hours of community service
  • Completion of Driving school and/or an alcohol treatment program

Second time DUI offenders may see the following penalties:

  • Up to 1 year of jail time
  • Fines up to $1,000
  • 1-2 years license suspension
  • Required Ignition Interlock Device (IDD)

Third time DUI offenders may see the following penalties:

  • 1-5 years of jail time
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • 2 years minimum license suspension
  • Required Ignition Interlock Device (IDD)

Why Choose Our RI DUI Attorney?

At the Law Office of Jason Knight, we provide diligent legal services to clients in Rhode Island. Facing charges of a DUI can be stressful, and a conviction can lead to severe consequences. At our firm, we have successfully guided numerous clients through the Rhode Island criminal law system.

As a former prosecutor, our firm’s RI DUI attorney knows how to challenge DUI charges and can use his invaluable insight to counter the opposition’s strategy. We can walk you through the process and provide our cutting-edge defense against all DUI-related charges.

Protecting your rights is of utmost importance to us, and we are prepared to go the distance in the pursuit of a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

Why Choose Us?

Call our Rhode Island DUI lawyer (401) 354-2255 to request a free case evaluation today!

    Discuss Your DUI Case in Providence for Free Today

    Being charged with any crime can be a frightening experience, especially if you have never been arrested in the past. At the Law Office of Jason Knight, our Rhode Island DUI lawyer understands the severity of your situation and is prepared to stand by your side during this difficult time. Many studies have shown chemical tests to be notoriously flawed and inaccurate in gauging a driver's actual level of intoxication.

    Contact our Providence DUI lawyer today to explore your DUI defense options.

    Client Testimonials

    Our Greatest Work Is the Impact We Make & the Relationships We Build

    • “He put us at ease. Please add our thanks to the existing praise from those who've already benefitted from Mr. Jason Knight's skills. We are very grateful.”

      - Cary R.

    • “I'm very happy that I went to attorney Knight. His prices were reasonable and his service is 6 stars.”

      - Syed I.

    • “I decided to hire him and it turned out to be a GREAT decision. Attorney Knight was always accessible.”

      - Michael M.
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    Cases We Handle

    Penalties for DUI in Rhode Island

    A conviction for DUI can bring a variety of serious consequences. The severity of these penalties will vary depending on a number of factors, including your prior arrest record, level of intoxication at the time of your arrest, and whether or not a collision was caused that led to another person’s death.

    The penalties for a first DUI offense in Rhode Island include:

    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • Up to $500 in fines
    • Up to 18 months of driver's license suspension

    Rhode Island Select Penalties for a 1st, 2nd or 3rd offense:

    • License Suspension or Revocation minimum – 2-18 months for a 1st offense, 1-2 years for a 2nd offense, and 2 years for a third offense
    • Vehicle Confiscation for a 3rd aggravated offense
    • Alcohol Education and Treatment
    • Ignition Interlock Device (IID

    Second and third offenses will carry more serious penalties, including up to 5 years in jail, fines up to $5,000, and a minimum 2-year license suspension. In addition, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. If you refused to take a breathalyzer, then you could be looking at a 6-month suspension of your license, up to 60 hours of community service, and up to $500 in fines. In addition to the legal penalties, you may also face increased insurance premiums or even the possibility of denied coverage. This could virtually end your ability to drive and may even jeopardize your career if your job depends on having a valid license.

    What Are Some Defenses You May Use Against Charges of DUI?

    The penalties mentioned above are serious. They include hefty fines, prison sentences, and license suspension. If you have been arrested, there are several defenses you may be able to use for your case. Jason can investigate your situation to gather evidence, and we can use effective legal strategies as you pursue a favorable outcome.

    Common legal defenses to DUI charges include:

    • Lack of probable cause

    • Failure to read Miranda warnings

    • Unreliability of breath and chemical tests

    • Unreliability of field sobriety tests

    By law, police must have probable cause before pulling over a driver.

    Probable cause refers to the reasonable belief that a crime has been, or is about to be, committed by the driver. For example, if you are swerving in your lane, speeding, driving recklessly, or otherwise violating traffic rules, a police officer has probable cause to pull you over. However, if a police officer pulls you over at random and gives no explanation of probable cause, you can use this as a possible defense against your arrest.

    Miranda warnings, such as the right to remain silent and to hire legal counsel, must be given to defendants. If the police officer fails to read you the Miranda warnings, or does so incorrectly, anything you say in an interrogation cannot be used against you in court. This means, if you admit guilt to a police officer who did not properly deliver your Miranda warnings, your statements may be excluded from trial.

    Real Case Results

    We Dedicate All of Our Resources & Attention to Defending Your Case
    • DUI Dismissed
    • Reckless Driving, DUI Not Guilty
    • DUI Charge Reduced
    • DUI Case Dismissed
    • DUI No Criminal Conviction
    • DUI & Refusal No Conviction
    • Third DUI DUI Dismissed
    • DUI & Criminal Refusal Charge Reduced
    • DUI DUI Dismissed
    • Commercial DUI No License Suspension
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    Dedicated to Your Rights & Best Interests

    • Emergency Appointments Available 24/7
    • Affordable Service & Convenient Office Hours
    • Trial-Tested & Compassionate
    • Former Prosecutor

    What Sets Us Apart?

    Invaluable Insight & Proven Skills
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    Unreliability of Field Sobriety Tests

    Field sobriety tests are used to determine a driver’s level of intoxication. However, studies done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency that regulates the field sobriety testing procedures, found that these tests are not very reliable. Some field sobriety tests (not endorsed by the NHTSA) include counting backwards, picking up an object, and reciting the alphabet. These tests have no scientific backing and cannot accurately be used to determine a driver’s impairment.

    Common field sobriety tests, certified by the NHTSA, include:

    • The one-leg stand test

    • The walk-and-turn test

    • The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (HGN)

    Studies have revealed that, for drivers with a BAC over .10%, the one-leg stand test is only about 65% accurate. Furthermore, the walk-and-turn test is only about 68% accurate, and the HGN test is only about 77% accurate. If the officer was not properly trained to administer the field sobriety test, or did not follow proper procedure, you may be able to use this as a defense to your case.

    We can work to challenge the evidence presented against you, including field sobriety tests, chemical tests, and more. With our zealous advocacy and uncompromising dedication to preserving your well-being, we can answer any questions you may have and help you rest easy knowing your case is in good hands. Our office is located in Providence, but we serve clients throughout Rhode Island.

    Unreliability of Breath & Chemical Tests

    Breath and chemical tests are often administered to a defendant soon after an arrest. These tests, which may be breath, blood, and urine-based, are used to determine the weight of alcohol in a driver’s bloodstream (known as the BAC). However, there are several factors that may render a breath or chemical test inadmissible in court.

    In order to be admissible in court, a breath or chemical test must:

    • Include 2 complete samples

    • Be given within a period of 15 minutes

    • Have at least .02% agreement between the 2 samples

    Furthermore, the breathalyzer machine must comply with the Department of Health regulations. The breath test operator must also have been certified within 1 year of the test. In addition, the result of the test must be mailed to the defendant within 72 hours of the test. Under Rhode Island law, police officers are required to observe the driver for at least 15 minutes before administering breath or chemical tests.

    If the officer who pulled you over failed to follow correct procedure, or there were other problems with the breath or chemical test (such as mishandling or improper administration), our Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer can use these facts to build your case. We can work hard to determine effective defense strategies and uphold your constitutional rights in court.