What Happens if You are Charged With DUI in Rhode Island but Have a Massachusetts License?

Item: DelSignore Law
Rating: 5
Author: Ashwani

It is important to understand the difference between Massachusetts and Rhode Island drunk driving laws. Rhode Island DUI law is vastly differently from Massachusetts law:

Differences Between RI and MA DUI Law

Rhode Island will often dismiss a DUI case if a motorist accepts a plea to the refusal charge which is charged as a separate criminal offense. Rhode Island has a traffic court that hears breath test refusal matters. An individual charged with refusing a breath test has greater rights than in Massachusetts.

Prosecutors in Rhode Island are more willing to reduce or dismiss a DUI charge.

The Massachusetts RMV will generally not suspend your license if you are suspended based on the refusal; if the RMV discovers you are suspended in Rhode Island for the refusal, you will be suspended for the duration of the our-of-state suspension.

If you accept a plea in Rhode Island on the DUI charge, Massachusetts will issue a suspension based on the drunk driving conviction. You will receive a letter from Massachusetts RMV stating your license will be suspended for one year. This is the maximum license suspension for a first offense OUI. Once you are reinstated in Rhode Island and complete the program, you can see a hearing officer and your suspension is likely to be reduced to 45 days, deemed served and your license restored on the payment of the five hundred dollar reinstatement fee.

When charged with DUI it is important to hire a lawyer who understand the license consequences in Massachusetts. For a Massachusetts license holder, avoiding a DUI conviction is the most important consideration.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 781-686-5924

★★★★★

Michael was very professional and explained the process clearly and told us to be patient. After one year the charges got dismissed in the trial. Excellent knowledge of the court systems in the area of Boston. Would highly recommend him Ashwani

★★★★★

A careless decision on my part left me facing charges which would have severely hampered my ability to stay employed and support myself. But attorney DelSignore's skillful analysis and challenging of the evidence against me resulted in a conviction on a lesser charge. Now I'll be able to go on with my life, having learned a lesson I'll never forget. Thank you, Michael. Scott

★★★★★

Mike stuck with my case for 3.5 years and always kept me informed regarding the status. Ultimately, because of his due diligence, we ended up with an OUI not guilty verdict. This case could have gone many ways but his thorough review of the case and exceptional preparedness for trial ultimately drove a positive outcome. Thank you Mike! David

★★★★★

Michael DelSignore did an amazing job with my case! He was always available to answer any questions I had and helped walked me through the entire process. I could not have done it without them! I highly recommend choosing this law firm to deal with your legal needs, you will not be dissatisfied. Ashley

★★★★★

I cannot express the gratitude towards Michael for his amazing work and help. It was a very stressful event and they certainly put me at as much ease as possible. From start to finish it took 14 months and all the way through they were both very engaged with me. Today was worth the wait, Michael was great in court and I was rightfully found not guilty. I would recommend Michael over and over again. Claire