North Providence DUI Lawyer

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North Providence DUI Attorney

Anyone who is caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in North Providence, Rhode Island, is at risk of facing a number of penalties, such as fines, losing their driver’s license, and imprisonment. However, just because you have been accused of driving while intoxicated does not mean that you will be formally charged in court. To help protect your rights and interests, hire a North Providence DUI lawyer to represent you in your case.

At Ellison Law LLC, we have seen firsthand the impact a DUI arrest and conviction can have on someone’s mental health. The thought of facing these consequences can be so distressing that it prevents many from being able to effectively focus on the legal responsibilities at hand. To assist in this process, our DUI attorneys can step in to collect evidence and present the most compelling case possible to support your quest for a lighter charge or to have the case dismissed entirely.

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The Criminal Defense Process for a DUI Charge in North Providence, RI

Facing a DUI can be intimidating, especially when you do not have any education or experience in how the process traditionally unfolds. A DUI lawyer can keep you informed throughout the entire process so you can make the most effective decisions possible.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in this process:

  • Arrest and Booking: If law enforcement has pulled you over due to suspicion of driving under the influence, they will arrest you if you fail to pass a field sobriety test. They will take you to the police station, where other tests may be conducted before booking you. This is where your personal information will be collected, in addition to logging your fingerprints and taking a photograph.
  • Arraignment: After you have been arrested, you will be scheduled for an arraignment. This marks your first court appearance. During this event, you will hear the charges that have been brought against you. At this point, you will be asked to enter a plea. You can respond by either saying you are guilty or not guilty or claim no contest to the charges.Before you make this decision, discuss your options with your DUI lawyer, as this decision will set the tone for the rest of your DUI case.
  • Discovery and Investigation: After you have entered a plea, you and your attorney may start the discovery and investigation step. This is when your DUI lawyer will spend time gathering relevant evidence, like police reports and sobriety test results, to craft their legal defense strategy. They will also investigate how the prosecution plans to present their case to the court to see if there are any vulnerabilities that can be highlighted in court.
  • Pre-Trial Motions: Before trial, your lawyer can file several pre-trial motions to help strengthen your defense. This could be a motion to suppress evidence, which happens when your attorney finds evidence that was unlawfully obtained and asks for it to be excluded. The other motion could be a motion to dismiss, which is when there are so many flaws in the prosecution’s case that your attorney suggests the charges should be dropped entirely.
  • Trial: If a plea deal is unable to be reached, the case will move to trial. This is where both sides will present their evidence and make a case for what outcome they believe is justified. From a criminal defense standpoint, your lawyer will try to create reasonable doubt about your guilt. If you are found guilty, the judge will issue sentencing. If you were found innocent, the process has concluded.

North Providence DUI FAQs

Q: Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI in North Providence, RI?

A: No, a license suspension is not an immediate or inevitable part of a DUI case in Rhode Island. After you have been arrested, there is the possibility of an administrative license suspension, but it depends on the circumstances at hand. For example, if you refuse to participate in a breathalyzer test, you will have your license suspended. The length of this suspension will depend on how intoxicated you were and if it’s a first or repeat offense.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a DUI and a DWI in North Providence, RI?

A: The terms DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are used interchangeably in Rhode Island. The state primarily refers to this as a “DUI,” which is any case where someone has been accused of driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, you still may hear “DWI” used in conversation; it is important to understand that it does not imply anything different.

Q: Is Drunk Driving a Felony in North Providence, RI?

A: Drunk driving can be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony in North Providence, RI. The final decision will depend on the circumstances presented and verified in court. First-time offenders who have a low blood alcohol content (BAC) are the most likely candidates to walk away with a misdemeanor charge and lenient penalties. When aggravating factors are in play, such as being a repeat offender, the likelihood of a felony charge increases.

Q: Can You Expunge a DUI From Your Record in North Providence, RI?

A: Yes, the opportunity to expunge a DUI from your record exists in Rhode Island if you meet the state’s strict eligibility requirements. For instance, five years must have passed before you can file a motion for expungement. This applies to misdemeanor charges. If you have a DUI felony charge in your criminal history, you will need to wait ten years before discussing the possibility of expungement with a DUI lawyer.

Contact Ellison Law LLC Today for Effective DUI Defense

If you were recently charged with a DUI in Rhode Island and are in need of legal representation, give the attorneys at Ellison Law LLC a call today. It takes a strong understanding of the nuances of DUI law to effectively defend you, and we’re prepared to safeguard your interests. Contact us today to begin.

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