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RHODE ISLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG

First Offense DUI Penalties in Rhode Island

Posted by Matthew Marin | Apr 29, 2014 | 0 Comments

If you have been charged with a first offense DUI in Rhode Island, you are likely uncertain as to how the court process works or what type of penalties the court might impose if you are convicted.  The best person to discuss your concerns with is an experienced Rhode Island DUI Defense Attorney.  Most, including Attorney Matthew Marin, offer free consultations to discuss your case and how an experienced defense lawyer could help you.  Before your consultation, please review the material below and the material on our Website for more general information on first offense DUI charges and penalties in Rhode Island.

Am I going to jail for my first offense DUI charge in RI?

In most cases, the simple answer is no.  However, if anyone was injured in an accident or if the DUI charge is not your first offense you could potentially be facing a significant jail sentence.  If you submitted to a breath or blood test and the readings are extremely high, you could be facing enhanced penalties.  If you refused to submit to a breathalyzer or blood draw, you will be facing a violation for refusal to submit to a chemical test at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.

Will my first offense RI DUI charge be permanently on my criminal record?

A first offense DUI charge in Rhode Island is a misdemeanor criminal offense.  As soon as you are charged, the offense will appear on your permanent criminal record.  Whether it remains there, and for how long it remains there, depends significantly on the outcome of your case.  DUI charges that are dismissed are eligible to come off of your permanent criminal record immediately (provided you have no felony convictions). Therefore, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled Rhode Island DUI Defense Lawyer regarding your case without delay.  In addition to being a skilled DUI defense lawyer, Attorney Matthew Marin also has significant experience handling literally hundreds of expungements for clients.  Aknowledgeable expungement lawyer can help clean your Rhode Island criminal record.

How can a defense lawyer help me with my first offense DUI charge in RI?

There are several different important ways in which a defense lawyer can assist you in the defense of your first offense DUI charge in Rhode Island. An experienced Rhode Island DUI Lawyer can exploit defenses in your case including factual issues and legal errors committed by the police.  They can use their contacts and reputation to navigate the legal system to your benefit and negotiate a favorable plea deal on your behalf and work tominimize the penalties and sanctions when appropriate.  By hiring skilled Rhode Island DUI Lawyer Attorney Matthew Marin you can put yourself in position to achieve the best possible results for your case.

About the Author

Matthew Marin

Attorney Matthew T. Marin is a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer with an outstanding track record in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. With expertise in DUI/DWI, drug offenses, domestic violence, and white-collar crimes, he is dedicated to providing personalized and effective representation for his clients. A "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and a member of the National College for DUI Defense and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Attorney Marin is committed to staying current with the latest legal developments and giving back to his community through pro bono work.

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Attorney Marin Named A SuperLawyer for Ten Consecutive Years 2014-2023

Attorney Matthew Marin has been named a Rhode Island SuperLawyer for 10 consecutive years from 2014 thru 2023. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Rhode Island are selected by the Research Team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers selects lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in their practice area.


Rhode Island Members of the National College for DUI Defense

Attorneys Marin and Barrett are both Rhode Island General Members of the National College for DUI Defense. Members represent some of the most experienced and cutting edge DUI defense attorney's throughout the Country. Nationwide, DUI laws are extremely complex and constantly changing and the College facilitates the exchange of innovative defenses throughout the Country.