Most of us live very busy lives: between work, school and/or family obligations, we might mistakenly forget about other important obligations, like traffic court. So, what happens if you receive a traffic ticket in Rhode Island and fail to appear for your court date or trial? Default Judgment/ Guilty in Absentia According to Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal Rules of...
Continue ReadingOn Friday, June 1, 2018, Rhode Island will go “hands free.” This movement comes in response to a law, § 31-22-31, passed last year in an attempt to cut down on distracted driving. What is prohibited under the new hands free law? The new law entitled “mobile telephone usage by motor vehicle operators” will prohibit motorists from “operating a...
Continue ReadingOne of the most common charges in District Court in Rhode Island today is Driving on a Suspended License. Currently, those charged with Driving on a Suspended License face criminal convictions, jail time and hefty fines, even for a first offense. A new law expected to take effect this year, drastically changes the punishments associated with this offense: A...
Continue ReadingRhode Island legislators have proposed two new bills that would attempt to regulate ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. If the legislation passes, it would require such companies to obtain a $10,000 to $15,000 “transportation network company permit” each year before operating within the State. The bills also attempt to regulate Uber and Lyft drivers. All drivers would face...
Continue ReadingOn Wednesday, March 23, the Rhode Island State Police will start a week long “click it or ticket” campaign, targeting seatbelt violations. In Rhode Island, seat belt violations are primary offenses, meaning that police officers can pull drivers over for this offense alone, without the presence of other moving violations like speeding. Under Rhode Island law, drivers can receive...
Continue ReadingFor a professional truck driver, your CDL is your livelihood. Unfortunately, many professional drivers fall victim to confusing federal regulations and obscure state motor vehicle infractions. When your job depends on a clean driving record and you receive a traffic ticket, you need a Rhode Island CDL lawyer familiar with fighting CDL traffic tickets. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration...
Continue ReadingAt one point or another, most of us have been on the wrong end of a traffic ticket. Abilheira Law’s last blog provided a useful guide for interpreting your traffic ticket and utilizing Rhode Island’s Good Driving statute. This week, we will be discussing the Colin B. Foote Act and the implications it can have on your privilege to...
Continue ReadingEveryone knows the feeling. You lean over to adjust the radio or glance at your cellphone only to look up in your rearview mirror and see flashing red and blue lights behind you. As you sit nervously on the side of the road waiting for the police officer to come to your window, you try to remember if you...
Continue ReadingYou’ve just been pulled over by the police and received a traffic ticket in Rhode Island. It is likely that you will have some questions about what to do next. Should I just pay the fine? Should I hire a lawyer? What are my options? Can I fight this ticket? In today’s blog, the Rhode Island Traffic Ticket Lawyers...
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