West Warwick, RI DUI Lawyer

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West Warwick, RI DUI Attorney

For those who are charged with a DUI, the most impactful choice you can make for your case might be working with the right West Warwick, RI DUI lawyer. The stakes are high in DUI cases, where the penalties can often be significant, especially if the charge is a repeat offense or an offense involving serious bodily injury or death. It’s critical that you have a lawyer who is prepared to exhaust every option to mitigate the impact the charges will have on your life.

Our team at Ellison Law LLC has extensive experience helping defend clients charged with DUIs. We understand the laws that govern these matters and know how to identify the elements of your case that will be critical to mounting a strong defense. Whether your situation is one where a plea deal may be more appealing or going to court is the better option, we are ready to put forth our strongest effort in defending you.

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What a West Warwick, RI DUI Lawyer Can Do to Help

It’s the job of a lawyer to represent their client and their client’s interests in the legal process. They play a significant role in supporting regular citizens who do not have extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. The prosecution’s full-time occupation is to understand the law, argue for someone’s guilt, or negotiate plea deals on behalf of the people of the jurisdiction. Having someone equally involved in the legal process is critical to ensuring you have a fair opportunity to defend yourself.

Having a lawyer represent you is also critical to protecting your rights. The Constitution provides people with many rights related to the issue of being accused of a crime. A lawyer can ensure that you maintain these rights, in particular, your right to avoid self-incrimination. By speaking on your behalf, we can help you avoid saying something that may be used against you during your criminal case.

Resolving a DUI Case in West Warwick, RI

There are a few routes for your DUI case to be resolved in West Warwick, RI. These potential routes include:

  • Plea Deal
  • Case Dismissal
  • Jury Verdict Following a Trial

While a plea deal may not be ideal for everyone, there may be some situations where the evidence stacked against someone and the risk of the penalties that could be handed down after a guilty verdict make this a better option. The deal will often involve admitting guilt while agreeing to lesser penalties. Your lawyer can help negotiate this deal to ensure that you get a better offer from the prosecution.

Plea deals are not always appropriate. In these instances, it may be necessary to present your case before the court. Your lawyer’s responsibility is to investigate your case and identify potential avenues for your defense. They will then make your case before the court and challenge the prosecution’s assertions of your guilt. If you are found guilty, they will then argue for lenient sentencing options.

West Warwick, RI DUI Law FAQs

Q: How Are DUIs in Rhode Island Penalized?

A: How DUIs in Rhode Island are penalized depends on the nature of the charges, the conviction, or the plea deal that’s agreed to. The more serious the nature of the conviction, the more serious the penalties that someone faces. However, most penalties will generally involve some mixture of fines, community service, license suspension, and possibly incarceration, particularly for more serious offenses.

Q: Is a DUI Charge a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

A: A DUI charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances related to the charge. For the most part, a first-time offense will result in a misdemeanor charge; however, repeat offenses could lead to a felony charge. A DUI that results in someone suffering serious bodily injury or death will also likely result in a felony charge. In general, a felony conviction is going to result in harsher penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.

Q: Does Implied Consent Mean That I Have to Take a Chemical BAC Test?

A: Implied consent does not mean that law enforcement can force you to take a chemical BAC test, but it does mean that there could be significant consequences if you refuse to take one. Rhode Island drivers are considered to have given implicit consent to a chemical test when lawfully requested because they are making use of the public roads. Refusing to take a test can result in penalties that include a license suspension. Drivers could also still be convicted based on other evidence.

Q: Is a DUI Eligible for Expungement

A: A DUI is eligible for expungement under certain conditions. Only a first-time, misdemeanor offense is eligible to be expunged once five years have passed since the completion of the sentencing related to the conviction. The person will also need to have exhibited good moral character, not been arrested or convicted of any offense in the previous five years, and not have any pending criminal proceedings. It can often be helpful to work with a lawyer when attempting to expunge a DUI.

Get Help in Defending Against a DUI Charge

DUI charges are taken seriously by the courts and prosecution, which is why it’s imperative that you have the right team on your side when faced with these charges. There may be an avenue for defense or ways to avoid some of the worst potential penalties involved, but you need a lawyer with the skill and experience to recognize these opportunities and capitalize on them.

Ellison Law LLC has extensive experience in defending people charged with DUIs. We understand the subtle nuances of a case that could be critical to ensuring that you get a fair hearing. We treat our clients with respect and listen to what’s important to them in the process. If a plea deal is the right option for you, we are prepared to negotiate the strongest deal we can on your behalf, but we are also ready to go to court if that’s the better option.

Contact us to discuss your case and how we may be able to help you.

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