There have been many significant changes in DUI law in the last year. The Rhode Island Department of Health has introduced a new machine for chemical breath tests. The Intoxilyzer 9000 has replaced the old Intoxilyzer 5000 in all police departments throughout the State. In addition, more police officers are being trained as Drug Recognition Experts (“DREs”). DREs receive specialized training to help them recognize if motorists are operating under the influence of drugs as opposed to alcohol.
The seminar also addressed one of the biggest changes in Rhode Island’s DUI laws in years, conditional hardship licenses and ignition interlock devices. Beginning on January 1, 2015, the installation of an ignition interlock device became mandatory in many DUI and Refusal cases. Motorists are now also eligible to request a hardship license from the Court. In all cases, where a hardship license is granted, the motorist must also install an ignition interlock device in their motor vehicle.
The Rhode Island Bar Association CLE seminar included lively discussion and interaction between prosecutors and defense attorneys regarding these new changes and their practical application in DUI cases.
The attorneys of the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your Refusal and/or DUI case. Please contact Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at (401) 816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.