As reported by Barbara Polichetti in the August 14, 2013 edition of the Providence Journal, a Warwick man has entered a plea to the charge of drunk driving. In exchange for the plea to the DUI charge, the refusal to submit to a chemical test and carrying a weapon while under the influence charges were dismissed. The man, a city councilman, was arrested by the Warwick Police for drunk driving in June of 2013. He had a 9mm semiautomatic gun in his car at the time of his arrest.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 31-27-2, drunk driving is defined as whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle in the state while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor except as provided in subdivision (d)(3) and shall be punished as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
The penalties if convicted of drunk driving include a fine, community service, a period of license suspension, DUI school/alcohol counseling and costs and assessments. A judge can impose up to one (1) year imprisonment in DUI cases, but that rarely occurs.
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 11-47-52, it is unlawful to carry or transport any firearm in this state when intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.
If you or a family member has been charged with drunk driving, refusal to submit to a chemical test or other DUI 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.