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RHODE ISLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG

The National Transportation Safety Board Proposes Tougher Drunk Driving Threshold

Posted by Matthew Marin | May 12, 2014 | 0 Comments

The National Transportation Safety Board has proposed a significantly more severe drunk driving threshold.  Currently, the national standard for driving under the influence of alcohol is federally mandated at a 0.08 blood alcohol concentration.  With the 0.08 standard, nearly 10,000 people are killed in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes.  The NTSB has recommended that the federally mandated standard be lowered from 0.08 to 0.05 blood alcohol concentration.  With the lower threshold, an average 180 lb male would reach the 0.05 limit after two to three drinks in one hour.

Lowering the drunk driving threshold would cause significant problems for law enforcement in Rhode Island DUI cases.  Some possible problems from a lowered threshold include an increasing importance of the margin of error when interpreting breath test results.  As the blood alcohol concentration numbers get lower, the margin of error for the breath test results become increasingly important as it could mean the difference between a Rhode Island DUI conviction and a not guilty finding.  Moreover, Police training is based upon Standardized Field Sobriety Tests which have been scientifically validated to indicate impairment at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 or higher.  How these tests are to be used and interpreted in a legal environment in which the drunk driving threshold is 0.05 is difficult to understand.  Needless to say, the assistance of a skilled Rhode Island DUI Attorney whenever you are facing a Rhode Island DUI charge.

At the Law Offices of Matthew T. Marin, Esquire, Inc. we are experienced and skilled Rhode Island DUI Attorney's.  Contact us to set up a confidential, no fee consultation today so that we can put our knowledge and experience to work for you.  We are available 24/7 at 401-228-8271,[email protected], or on our website athttp://www.matthewtmarin.com/rhode_island_dui_defense_lawyer.html.

For more information on particular areas of Rhode Island's DUI laws, visit the links below:

About the Author

Matthew Marin

My name is Attorney Matthew Marin. I have dedicated my career to defending those charged with criminal offenses throughout Rhode Island. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a criminal offense, we understand that are likely in an unfamiliar situation that can be extremely intimidating and even paralyzing. You may feel as if you do not know where to turn or who to ask for help. Fortunately, you have come to the right place to begin your search for answers and a successful resolution to your situation. We have extensive experience assisting thousands of clients facing drunk driving charges, domestic violence charges, and drug charges throughout Rhode Island.

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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.

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