As reported by Bryan Rourke in the April 8, 2011 edition of the Providence Journal, Cranston Police shot at a drunk driver. The driver hit another car and fled the scene. The driver then turned his vehicle on a police officer. The officer fired at the car. The driver later lost control and hit a house. The man is charged with drunk driving (DUI), refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, felony assault and resisting arrest.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Law 31-27-2, the penalties for drunk driving with unknown blood alcohol readings include:
Every person convicted of a first violation whose blood alcohol concentration is one-tenth of one percent (.1%) by weight or above but less than fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%) or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred ($100) dollars nor more than four hundred dollars ($400) and shall be required to perform ten (10) 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 twelve (12) 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 alcoholic or drug treatment for the individual.
The penalties for refusing to submit to a chemical test are a fine in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) to five hundred dollars ($500) and shall order the person to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution. The person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period of six (6) months to one year. The traffic tribunal 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.
If you or a family member has been charged with drunk driving (DUI), refusal to submit to a chemical test or other alcohol offenses 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.