The Office of Public Defender and the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers recently hosted a legal seminar entitled Forensic Science 101: An Overview for Criminal Defense Practitioners. Attorney Robert H. Humphrey and Attorney Kimberly A. Petta lectured on the topic of the Changing Science & Technology of DUI Cases in 2015. The three (3) key changes in how DUI/DWI cases are prosecuted and defended in 2015 revolve around the introduction of the Intoxilyzer 9000 breath testing machine in police stations throughout the State, the use of Drug Recognition Experts (“DREs”) and the availability of hardship licenses with the installation of an ignition interlock device.
To be eligible for a hardship license, an individual must first install an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle. Currently, there are only four (4) authorized ignition interlock providers in Rhode Island. The four (4) providers are CST Intoxalock, New England Interlock, Senso-O-Lock of America and Smart Start. The individual must also obtain a letter from his or her employer detailing the need for the hardship license. The letter must also address the specific days and times that the individual needs to operate their vehicle for employment purposes.
The recent changes to the DUI laws are very complicated. If you or a family member have a question regarding a DUI case, a Refusal case or the ability to obtain a hardship license, please contact the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey immediately at 401-816-5862 or e-mail us at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.