The Rhode Island State Police and police municipalities across Rhode Island have announced that they will be increasing patrols to target motorists driving under the influence (DUI). From December 14, 2016 through January 1, 2017, Rhode Island will mobilize troopers and officers for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
The only way to truly prevent a DUI during the holidays is not to drink and drive. Before going to holiday gatherings, designate a sober driver or consider using taxi and ride sharing services.
If you or a loved one are pulled over for suspicion of a DUI, consider the following helpful tips offered by Abilheira Law’s experienced Rhode Island DUI attorneys to avoid spending the holidays in jail.
Avoid making any statements to the police, including statements regarding your consumption of alcohol.
You may think admitting to drinking only 1-2 alcoholic beverages will prevent you from getting arrested, but instead it will have the opposite effect and can lead to your arrest and additional evidence in your DUI case.
Do NOT submit to any field sobriety tests (FST’s).
There is NO penalty for refusing to submit to FST’s. The results of these tests will not benefit you and will only be used to bolster the DUI case against you. Do NOT give the prosecution more evidence against you!
Do NOT submit to a preliminary breath test (PBT).
A PBT is a breathalyzer test given on the side of the road. PBT’s are very unreliable and can give false readings for high levels of alcohol. The only penalty in RI for refusing a PBT is a traffic ticket with an $85.00 fine. Again, do NOT give the prosecution evidence to use against you by submitting to a faulty test!
Consider refusing a chemical test- either a breathalyzer or blood test.
For more information on whether you should refuse a chemical test, please visit our detailed page: Should I Refuse a Breathalyzer?
Contact a Rhode Island DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Under Rhode Island law, the police are required to give you a confidential phone call when you are arrested for a DUI. Use this call to contact an experienced RI DUI attorney right away or to contact a friend or loved one who can call one for you.
The RI DUI lawyers at Abilheira Law are available 24/7 to answer all your DUI questions. Do not hesitate to call 401-245-5100 right away if you are arrested for a DUI.
Criminal defense attorney Allison C. (Belknap) Abilheira serves clients with dedication and skill in Warren, Providence, and the surrounding areas in Rhode Island. Attorney Abilheira practices law in Rhode Island, the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and in Massachusetts.
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