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Providence DUI Lawyer

Providence DUI Lawyer Rory Munns

Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns - Rhode Island DUI Attorney

  • Top Rated Providence DUI Lawyer
  • Affordable DUI Representation
  • Free DUI Consultation
  • Hundreds of successful Providence DUI Defenses
  • One Of The Best Providence DUI Defense Law Firms

Getting arrested and being charged with DUI is a life changing occurrence. The events that happen during and after the arrest are extremely important. Just because you are charged with a DUI does not mean you will be convicted of a DUI. If you are charged it is time to contact Providence DUI Lawyer Rory Munns at 401-573-2265.

The Traffic Stop

Police officers conduct traffic stops for a variety of reasons. It is vital to know that any information you tell an officer can be used in the officers final disposition. Admitting to an officer you are speeding means you have opened yourself up to getting a speeding ticket. Sometimes the officer may suspect you have been drinking too much. They may request you complete a breathalyzer test. You may refuse a breathalyzer test. A skilled Providence DUI lawyer would advise that refusing will result in failing to submit which is a civil offense. Failing a breathalyzer test will likely result in being charged and arrested.

The Charge

Being charged with a DUI in Rhode Island is a misdemeanor for the first offense. A Providence DUI Lawyer would consider the first DUI penalty as a warning for what could happen next time. This does not mean the first offense is without consequences. Jail time, fines, suspended drivers license, these are the possible outcomes of being convicted of a DUI. A Providence DUI lawyer can help you fight these charges.

First time DUI offenders can be jailed up to one year. Take a moment to think about what that would be like. While jail time is a possible outcome it does not always happen to those convicted for the first offense. A Providence DUI lawyer can help you fight these charges.

Second-time DUI offenders face harsher penalties. The convicted faces jail time from 10 days to a one year. Fines up to one thousand dollars. Drivers license suspension for one to two years. A trained Providence DUI Lawyer will work to minimize the penalties. One additional penalty for a second offense is that an Ignition Interlock Device must be installed in the drivers vehicle. The driver must blow into the device before the vehicle will start. If alcohol is detected the vehicle will not start as normal.

Types of DUI charges in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has imposed strict penalties for drunk, drugged, and other dangerous driving. The most common charges are ones involving drunk driving. Having a Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC above the legal limit can lead to probation, jail time, and a suspended license. The penalties are lower for first time offenders and increase significantly for repeat offenders.

First offense driving under the influence

There are three levels of first offense driving under the influence in Rhode Island. All are misdemeanors. In general the more alcohol in your blood, the higher the potential penalty. The good news is that these penalties are not automatic even if your BAC was accurately tested. While jail time is a possible outcome, it is not a mandatory sentence. An experienced DUI lawyer may help you avoid some or all of the penalties that can apply to your charge.

1st offense DUI between .08% and .1%

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Fine of $100-300
  • Suspension of driver's license between 30-180 days
  • 10-60 hours of community service
  • Enrollment in a driving while intoxicated course

First offense DUI between .1% and .15%

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Fine of $100-400
  • Suspension of driver's license between 3-12 months
  • 10-60 hours of community service
  • Enrollment in a driving while intoxicated course
  • Enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment

1st offense DUI over .15%

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Fine of $500
  • Suspension of driver's license between 3-18 months
  • 20-60 hours of community service
  • Enrollment in a driving while intoxicated course
  • Enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment
  • Mandatory fine of $400
  • Enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment
  • Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device for 1-2 years after your license is returned

2nd offense DUI over .15%

  • Mandatory jail time of 6 months to 1 year
  • License suspension of 2 years
  • Mandatory fine of $1000
  • Enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment

Third or subsequent driving under the influence

After your second offense, penalties for driving under the influence increase significantly. A third offense is a felony, which results in harder jail time and serious collateral consequences. In addition to the penalties outlined below, the sentencing judge can order your car seized and sold off, with the proceeds going to the State. Don't face these potential consequences alone. Call Providence DUI lawyer Rory Munns so you can start working on your defense.

3rd or subsequent offense DUI between .08 and .15%

  • Mandatory jailtime of 1-3 years
  • License suspension of 2-3 years
  • Mandatory fine of $400
  • Enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment
  • Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device for 1-2 years after your license is returned

Third or subsequent offense DUI over .15%

  • Jailtime of 3-5 years
  • Mandatory license suspension of 3 years
  • Mandatory fine of $1000

What can an experienced Providence DUI lawyer like Rory Munns do for your drunk driving case?

Experienced DUI lawyers like Rory Munns understand the importance of examining every aspect of your case. Sometimes we uncover critical errors made by police or crime labs that dispute BAC you are accused of having. In other cases, we bring serious Constitutional issues to the attention of the judge or D.A. Possible defenses include:

  • Illegal traffic stop
  • Faulty BAC test
  • Raising BAC
  • Medical condition makes BAC unreliable
  • Error in calculating the time between offenses

Even when no errors are found in your case, a Providence DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce charges from the highest grade of DUI to a lower grade that is subject to reduced penalties. Uncovering evidence of undue hardship if you were to lose your license or show proof that you have already sought treatment for drugs or alcohol is key. We can also help you determine if using Rhode Islands Ignition Interlock Statute would be beneficial in your case to reduce the time that your license may be suspended following a conviction.

Contact Rory Today

Call Providence DUI Lawyer Roy Munns to fight your DUI charges in court today at 401-573-2265. Hiring the right Providence DUI lawyer is key to the outcome in a courtroom.

Rorys Downtown Providence office is conveniently located next the J. Joseph Garrahy courthouse at 127 Dorrance St Providence, RI 02903.

Providence DUI Lawyer Office

Providence DUI Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns
RI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Providence Rhode Island DUI Attorney - Providence DUI Lawyer

127 Dorrance St
Providence , RI 02903

Phone: 401-573-2265

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a DUI be dismissed in Rhode Island?

Yes, depending on the evidence and legal strategy.

Does astigmatism affect the DUI test?

Astigmatism does not affect the field sobriety test police use to look at your eyes during a DUI stop. The test is called the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, or HGN. People often confuse the two terms because both involve the eyes — but they measure completely different things. Astigmatism is a vision problem corrected by glasses or contact lenses. HGN measures involuntary jerking of the eye when it follows a moving object. Alcohol and certain drugs increase that jerking, which is what the officer is looking for.

Several legitimate medical conditions can cause natural nystagmus that has nothing to do with alcohol — including genuine nystagmus disorders, certain prescription medications, head injuries, neurological conditions, and even fatigue. If you were given an HGN test during a DUI stop and the officer claims it showed signs of impairment, an experienced DUI lawyer can challenge the test results when a legitimate medical explanation exists. Call 401-573-2265 to discuss your case.

How much does a DUI cost in Rhode Island?

The price of a DUI in Rhode Island can vary depending on if it is your first offense, if there are other charges involved in the case, if you have a criminal record, and case complexity. A First-Time misdemeanor DUI can range between $2000-$3500.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Rhode Island?

The total cost of a DUI in Rhode Island goes well beyond the court-imposed fine. When you factor in fines, court costs, attorney fees, DMV reinstatement fees, increased insurance premiums, alcohol education program costs, and potential ignition interlock installation, the total cost of a first-offense DUI can easily exceed $5,000 to $10,000 or more. This does not account for lost wages from missed work or the impact on employment. Investing in quality legal representation can reduce or eliminate many of these costs.

How much does Attorney Munns charge for a DUI consultation?

All DUI consultations are free with Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns

How often do DUI cases get dismissed?

Any attorney who gives you a percentage before reviewing your case is either guessing or selling. The truth is that DUI case outcomes depend entirely on the specific facts — how the traffic stop happened, what field sobriety tests were administered, whether breath or blood testing followed the required procedures, whether probable cause existed, and a dozen other case-specific details.

Some DUI cases are dismissed outright. Many resolve through reduced charges, diversion programs, or negotiated pleas that keep a conviction off the record. Others go to trial. The factors that separate a strong defense from a weak one are usually invisible to the person arrested — they're things an experienced DUI attorney looks for in the police report, the evidence, and the procedural record that most people don't know to examine.

The honest answer to "how often" is: more often than most people expect, when a DUI attorney who actually knows DUI law reviews your case. Call 401-573-2265 to discuss your specific situation. Your case has its own facts — you deserve an answer based on them, not an average.

Should I hire a DUI lawyer?

Yes. Legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. An experienced RI DUI Lawyer like Rory Munns gives you the best chance for a favorable outcome.

What does a Rhode Island DUI Lawyer do for you?

Rhode Island DUI Lawyer Rory Munns is in court every day fighting for his clients. Upon being retained, Attorney Bank gets the Police Report from your arrest and goes over it with you to see if there were any procedural errors and to prepare your DUI defense strategy. His team will make you a part of the process and keep you informed every step of the way. His goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your individual case.

What happens after a DUI arrest in Rhode Island?

You will be processed, possibly released on bail, and required to appear in court.

What is the 80/20 rule for lawyers?

The 80/20 rule — also called the Pareto Principle — comes from Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who noticed about a century ago that 20% of the people in Italy held 80% of the wealth. In the legal world, lawyers apply the idea two ways.

Some attorneys apply it to their practice: 20% of their cases generate 80% of their revenue, so they focus on the high-value cases where the most is at stake. More importantly for a client facing a DUI charge, the 80/20 rule also applies to case strategy. Roughly 80% of successful DUI outcomes come from 20% of the legal strategies — challenging the validity of the traffic stop, questioning breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, scrutinizing the officer's field sobriety test administration, examining probable cause, and reviewing the chain of custody on any blood or breath evidence.

A DUI lawyer who understands the 80/20 rule focuses on the critical few elements that actually move outcomes, rather than scattering effort across every detail of the case. When you're interviewing a DUI attorney, ask what strategies they prioritize first when reviewing a case — their answer tells you whether they know which 20% to work. Call 401-573-2265 to discuss your case.

Who is the best DUI Lawyer in Rhode Island?

Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns is a partner in the highest rated and most reviewed DUI and criminal defense law firm in Rhode Island. With over 1,300 positive reviews in Google alone, Bank & Munns have set themselves apart from the field as a leading Providence, Rhode Island DUI and criminal defense attorneys. With an office conveniently located directly across the street from the Courthouse in Downtown Providence, Rory will take calls from people awaiting their hearing that decide at the last minute not to put their future in the hands of a public defender as he is right there to help.

Will I lose my license after a DUI?

License suspension is common, but the length depends on the offense.