As reported by Maria Armental in the March 18, 2013 edition of the Providence Journal, a driver crashed his motor vehicle into a used car business in West Warwick. The driver damaged six (6) motor vehicles and the business office. One car ended up on the roof of the office and damaged a sign. The driver was taken to the hospital and police believe he was driving under the influence.
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 include a fine, community service, a period of license suspension, participation in DUI School or alcohol counseling and assessments. The level of penalties increases based on the chemical test results.
Based on the accident and the amount of damage caused, the driver could also be charged with reckless driving pursuant to R.I.G.L. 31-27-4, defined as any person who operates a motor vehicle recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered, or operates a vehicle in an attempt to elude or flee from a traffic officer or police vehicle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for the second and each subsequent conviction.
If you or a family member has been charged with drunk driving, reckless driving or drunk driving involving an accident, 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.