Rhode Isl而且 Laws for Driving Under the Influence With a Child Under 13-Years Old
Dealing with a driving under the influence (酒后驾车) charge in the state of Rhode Isl而且 can be stressful, 可怕的, 而且, 不幸的是, 常见的. In 2017, 41% of Rhode Isl而且’s driving fatalities were the result of driving under the influence, which is above the national average.
A single 酒后驾车 can quickly make a mess of your life. A first conviction in the state of Rhode Isl而且 results in a $100 - $500 fine, 10-60 hours of community service, 而且 potentially up to 1 year in prison. Your driver’s license will also be suspended for a minimum of 3 months 而且 as many as 18 months. The sentencing judge or magistrate may prohibit you from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system for three (3) months to one year. 最后, you will be required to either undertake some form of alcohol or drug treatment plan, which might include a special course on driving while intoxicated.
These consequences are severe in their own right, but they can get even harsher when a 酒后驾车 is combined with other offenses. One such scenario includes driving under the influence while a minor child under 13-years old is a passenger in your vehicle. This is considered child endangerment in the state of Rhode Isl而且, 而且 the offense carries heavy penalties in addition to 酒后驾车 punishments. I break down the extent of these consequences 而且 how they work below.
Consequences of 酒后驾车-Related Child Endangerment
If you are a legal adult (at least 18-years old) arrested for a 酒后驾车 when a minor child under 13-years old is a passenger in your vehicle, you will face an additional charge of child endangerment in the state of Rhode Isl而且. A conviction can lead to penalties greater than those of a 酒后驾车 in isolation, but you will also experience immediate consequences. 首先, your driver’s license will be immediately suspended pending prosecution.
In the state of Rhode Isl而且, what happens in the event of a child endangerment conviction depends on whether this is your first offense. If you are a first-time violator, you will be found guilty of a misdemeanor 而且 could be sentenced to up to 1 year in prison 而且 a fine of up to $1,000. At the discretion of the court, you may also be slapped with a potential additional highway assessment fine of up to $500, 而且 your driver’s license could be suspended for up to 2 years. Like any 酒后驾车 conviction, you will also have to take part in some sort of education or treatment program to address alcohol 而且 drug abuse.
Second 而且 subsequent child endangerment convictions carry even graver consequences. If you are a repeat offender, a conviction means being found guilty of a felony, a prison sentence of up to 5 years, 而且 another fine of up to $5000, in addition to the aforementioned additional fines, license suspensions, 而且 educational requirements.
Losing your license, 服刑时间, 而且 fines are not the only ways 酒后驾车-related child endangerment can adversely impact your life. Child endangerment can influence ongoing cases in family court 而且 cause you to lose visitation, placement or custody rights. The Department of Children, 青年, 而且 Families (DCYF) will investigate your case 而且 the affected child’s living situation, 而且, at their discretion, may remove the child from your home. Losing custody can happen even if you are not presently involved in a family court matter.
Let an Experienced Attorney Advocate For You
Facing a 酒后驾车 charge alone can be a stressful, terrifying endeavor, 而且 child endangerment charges make the stakes even higher. My team at the Law Office of Steven J. 哈特 has the legal knowledge 而且 experience to fight for you.
If you are facing 酒后驾车 or child endangerment charges in the state of Rhode Isl而且, my firm can help you explore your options. 刻度盘 (888) 701-0919 or contact me online for a complimentary consultation.