Newport DUI Arrests
As reported in the January 3, 2011 edition of the Newport Daily News, there were three (3) driving under the influence (DUI) arrests in Newport over the holiday weekend. All three drivers were pulled over by police for traffic violations and then subsequently arrested. One of the drivers is also charged with Refusal to submit to the chemical test.
Another driver did submit to the chemical test and had readings over .15 BAC. Under Rhode Island General Law 31-27-2, if convicted, he will face enhanced DUI penalties based on his high readings.
Every person convicted of a first offense whose blood alcohol concentration is fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%) or above, or who is under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in subdivision (b)(1) shall be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) and shall be required to perform twenty (20) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution and/or shall be imprisoned for up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge. The person's driving license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months to eighteen (18) months. The sentencing judge shall require attendance at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance and/or alcohol or drug treatment for the individual.
The third driver was not charged with an alcohol related DUI, but rather a marijuana related DUI. Under Rhode Island General Law 31-27-2, DUI is defined as whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle in the state while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these. In addition to the DUI charge, the man could also face charges for possession of marijuana.
If you or a family member has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), OUI, or Refusal, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.