As reported by Thomas J. Morgan in the May 6, 2013 edition of the Providence Journal, a bishop has been arrested by the Narragansett Police Department and charged with drunk driving, refusal to submit to a chemical test and leaving the scene of the accident. The bishop is currently assigned to a Worcester, MA diocese but was previously a bishop in Providence.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 31-27-2, drunk driving 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, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor except as provided in subdivision (d)(3) and shall be punished as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
The penalties if convicted include a fine, community service, a period of license suspension, participation in DUI School or alcohol counseling and assessments. The level of penalties increases based on the chemical test results. A first offense DUI charge is a misdemeanor.
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 31-26-2, leaving the scene of an accident is defined as the driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, but shall immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3. A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
The penalties if convicted include a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and/or his or her driver's license or operating privilege in the state may be suspended for a period up to six (6) months, and/or he or she may be imprisoned for a period not to exceed 6 months.
If you or a family member has been charged with drunk driving, hit and run or refusal to submit to a chemical test, 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.