Rhode Island law severely punishes those charged and convicted of second offense driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  We take our job as a Rhode Island DUI Defense Lawyer very seriously and know that your second offense DUI charge is a very serious matter.  As you can see below, a second offense Rhode Island DUI charge carries with it the possibility of a long mandatory jail sentence as well as a long mandatory license suspension.  Attorney Matthew Marin can put his experience and skill to work defending your charge and minimizing the impact it will have on your life.  Even if you have been charged with a second offense DUI you are not without hope and typically the more severe the charges are, the more help we can provide to you in your case. Our track record of success and positive testimonials demonstrates that everyone can benefit from exception and experienced legal representation.

If you have been charged with second offense driving under the influence in Rhode Island, you are in a very serious situation and there is a real possibility that you could be serve a significant jail sentence.  At the Law Offices of Matthew T. Marin, Esq., Inc., we have assisted dozens of individuals charged with second offense driving under the influence throughout Rhode Island.  We appear daily throughout the Rhode Island court system representing those charged with DUI and we have experience negotiating and litigating complex and serious cases.  Contact Attorney Matthew Marin for a no obligation consultation regarding your case.  We can be reached 24/7 via telephone at 401-228-8271, via our CONTACT FORM, or via email at [email protected].

What are the penalties for a Second Offense DUI in Rhode Island?

The consequences of a conviction for second offense DUI in Rhode Island are extremely severe.  These penalties include a mandatory jail sentence, a license suspension between one to two years, and extremely high fines, costs, and assessments.  The extent of the penalties depends on the particular charge that you are facing.  The different types of second offense DUI charges are detailed below.

How long will I lose my drivers license for a Second Offense DUI?

Anyone charged with second offense DUI in Rhode Island is facing the an extended loss of license if convicted.  Generally speaking, an individual convicted of a second offense DUI in Rhode Island is facing a mandatory license suspension between one and two years.  However, if the individuals blood alcohol content was in excess of 0.15 that person is facing a mandatory two year license suspension if convicted.

**NOTE: New DUI License Suspension Laws go into effect January 1st, 2015 – Call us for more information**

Will I go to jail if I am convicted of a Second Offense DUI? 

If you have been charged with a second offense DUI in Rhode Island, you are facing a mandatory jail sentence if convicted. Depending on the particular charge you are facing you could be facing a mandatory minimum jail sentence of anywhere from ten days to six months.  However, with the assistance of a skilled Rhode Island DUI Attorney we should be able to keep you from serving that sentence at the Adult Correctional Institution (Rhode Island State Prison).  For those charged with second offense DUI in Rhode Island, oftentimes we can convince the prosecution to either reduce the charges to avoid the mandatory jail sentence or arrange for the sentence to be served in “home confinement” instead of at the State Prison.

What is “Second Offense DUI BAC Unknown”?

The charge “second offense DUI BAC unknown” in charged when a suspect refuses to submit to a chemical test during a DUI investigation AND the individual had been previously convicted of a DUI charge within the past five years.  The charge is accompanied by a charge of Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test which is handled at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.  This charge carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of ten days in State Prison (ACI) and a potential of up to one year in jail. 

What is “Second Offense BAC 0.08 to 0.15”?

A charge of second offense DUI with blood alcohol content between 0.08 and 0.15 carries with it a mandatory minimum jail sentence of ten days in State Prison (ACI) and a potential of up to one year in jail.

What is “Second Offense DUI BAC Greater than 0.15”?

A charge of second offense DUI with blood alcohol results greater than 0.15 carries a significantly enhanced mandatory jail sentence.  Instead of the standard ten day jail sentence, a second offense DUI with a blood alcohol content in excess of 0.15 carries with it a mandatory minimum six month jail sentence.  The penalties for this charge are exceptionally severe and require the assistance of a highly skilled and experienced Rhode Island DUI Lawyer.

Rhode Island Second Offense DUI Law – R.I.G.L. 31-27-2

Information and Sources:

Rhode Island General Laws – Rhode Island Second Offense DUI Laws

Rhode Island Department of Health – Breathalyzer Rules and Regulations