As reported by Gregory Smith in the April 25, 2012 edition of the Providence Journal, Judge Vogel of the Providence County Superior Court recently sentenced several people charged with hit and run and other driving accident cases. In a case involving an East Providence woman, she pled guilty to charges of drunk driving – serious injury resulting and reckless driving – serious injury resulting. She was sentenced to ten (10) years at the ACI, one (1) year to serve, four (4) years home confinement and probation. Following her release from prison, her license will be suspended for two (2) years.
In a case involving a Woonsocket woman, she was to enter a plea to the charge of hit and run – serious injury resulting. Based on a letter written by the victim, the woman was to be sentenced to five (5) year home confinement. However, the Judge did not accept the plea because she wanted to hear from the victim in person.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 31-26-1, hit and run resulting in serious personal injury is defined as the driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, but shall then immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3. A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. As used in this subsection, "serious bodily injury" means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious physical disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
The penalties if convicted include imprisonment for not less than one year and for not more than ten (10) years and by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The sentencing judge shall have the discretion to sentence the person to any unit of the adult correctional institutions. Additionally, the license of the person may be revoked for a period of up to two (2) years. The license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize refusal to issue a license and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.
If you or a family member has been charged with hit and run – injury resulting, drunk driving – serious injury resulting or other driving offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.