Suspended and Revoked Rhode Island Drivers Licenses
CONTACT Attorney Macktaz, a successful and experienced Rhode Island Drivers License Suspension Lawyer today for a free, initial consultation
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law experience in the State of Rhode Island that you need.
Rhode Island License Suspension and Revocation
Challenging the rules of the road in Rhode Island is not recommended. Besides the obvious risks of injury or loss of life, your violations could result in the suspension or revocation of your Rhode Island driver's license.
Suspended Drivers License Attorney Macktaz assists:
- Persons facing charges of driving or operating with a suspended Rhode Island drivers license
- Persons with a suspended license in need of restoration in Rhode Island
Most people rely on an automobile as their primary means of transportation. A suspended license can limit a person's mobility and make it difficult to commute to work or visit family and friends. While this may seem like an unreasonable hardship, it is better to make other driving arrangements, such as taking the bus or carpooling, than to risk being pulled over without a valid license. If you are caught driving with a suspended license from a DUI/DWI, you risk being penalized even further.
For repeat offenders Rhode Island has laws that can imprison someone for as much as five years for repeatedly driving on a suspended license. In addition to jail time, depending on the severity of your violation, you can face massive fines and mandatory driving or alcohol and drug education classes. Also, once your insurance carrier is notified, you can expect dramatically increased insurance premiums.
Rhode Island Defense Attorney S. Joshua Mackatz provides effective representation not just for people charged with "operating on a suspended license" but also for people whose licenses are suspended and they need assistance in getting them reinstated.
CONTACT Newport RI Suspended License Attorney Macktaz today at 401-861-1155 or via Email
Reasons for Suspension
A suspended license means you lose your driving privileges for a court-ordered amount of time, usually anywhere from three to 18 months. Once your suspension expires, you are allowed to pursue license reinstatement.
Your Rhode Island driver's license can be suspended for any of the following reasons:
- Attempting to evade a marked police car after being signaled to stop
- Refusing an alcohol test
- Operating your vehicle on a designated bicycle path
- Carrying a controlled substance in your vehicle
Reasons for Revocation
A revoked license means long-term loss, usually amounting to three to 10 years, with no guarantee that you will be allowed to resume driving again. This is determined by a hearing officer with Operator Control (part of the Division of Motor Vehicles). Usually, your participation in a drug and alcohol education program or a driver safety course determines your fate.
Your Rhode Island driver's license can be revoked for any of the following reasons:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Not stopping at an accident to offer aid when injury or death is involved
- Convicted for altering license to buy alcohol
- Vehicular manslaughter
Suspended License Violation Penalties
Each state has its own penalties for drivers who are caught without a valid license, but most states will extend the period of the suspension and slap the offender with a hefty fine. Under Rhode Island law, penalties for driving on a suspended license are as follows:
- First offense: 3 months additional suspension + $500 fine + at least 10 days in jail
- Second offense: 6 months additional suspension + $500 fine + 6 months to 1 year in jail
- Third offense: Felony charge + 1 year additional suspension + $1000 fine + at least 1 year in jail
Coping with Your License Suspension
Clearly, suspended license violations are taken seriously and can add months to your original penalty, not to mention the additional hefty fines. It is best to not risk being caught without a valid license. If you have been convicted of a DUI and penalized with a license suspension, consider using one of the many other modes of transportation available to you. If you are traveling within a couple of miles, try walking or biking to your destination, or look up a convenient bus route. You may find that you are able to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars that otherwise would be spent on gas.
Reinstatement
Once your suspension or revocation period ends, you will be allowed to apply for reinstatement. There are no guarantees in this process and you will appear before a hearing officer with Operator Control in hopes that they deem that you are safe to resume driving.
If you have been arrested for driving with a suspended license, you face the possibility of extended suspension, fines, and jail time. Consider consulting with a DUI defense attorney immediately to review the options that are available to you so that you can regain your license.
CONTACT Rhode Island Suspended License Attorney Mackatz at 401-861-1155 or via Email for representation at court appearances for revocation or operating with a suspended license, or for assistance in getting your driver’s license reinstated.
Rhode Island Drivers License Suspension and Revocation Laws
TITLE 31
Motor and Other vehicles
CHAPTER 31-11
Suspension or Revocation of Licenses – Violations
SECTION 31-11-18.1
§ 31-11-18.1 Driving after denial, revocation, or suspension for certain violations. – (a) Any person who drives a motor vehicle on any highway of this state who never applied for a license or who drives after his or her application for a license has been refused, or after his or her license has expired or who otherwise drives without a license or at a time when his or her license to operate is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, for: (1) operating under the influence of a narcotic drug or intoxicating liquor; (2) refusing to submit to a chemical test; reckless driving; (3) manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle or operating so as to endanger resulting in death; or (4) three (3) moving violations within a one-year period; shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first and second offenses and shall be deemed guilty of a felony for the third or subsequent offenses.
(b) The division of motor vehicles upon receiving a record of the conviction of any person upon a charge of driving a motor vehicle while the license of the person was suspended, for reasons set forth in this section shall suspend the person's license or deny the person's application for any length of time that it shall deem proper but in no case less than an additional three (3) months. Upon receiving a record of conviction of a second violation of driving a motor vehicle while the license of that person was suspended for reasons set forth in this section, the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the person's license or deny the person's application for any length of time that it shall deem proper but in no case less than an additional six (6) months. Any subsequent conviction shall result in license revocation. Upon receiving a record of the conviction of any person upon a charge of driving after his or her application for a license had been refused, or after his or her license had been revoked or cancelled for reasons set forth in this section, the division of motor vehicles shall not issue a new license for an additional period of one year from and after the date the person would otherwise have been entitled to apply for a new license.
(c) Upon a first conviction under this section a mandatory fine of five hundred dollars ($500) shall be imposed, and if the person was driving after his or her application for a license had been refused, or at a time when his or her license to operate was suspended, revoked, or cancelled for operating under the influence of a controlled substance or intoxicating liquor, or his or her refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle, or operation so as to endanger, death resulting, the person shall be imprisoned for a minimum of ten (10) days.
(2) A mandatory fine of five hundred dollars ($500) for a second conviction under this section within a five (5) year period shall be imposed, and if the person was driving after his or her application for a license had been refused, or at a time when his or her license to operate was suspended, revoked, or cancelled for operating under the influence of a controlled substance or intoxicating liquor or his or her refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle, or operation so as to endanger, death resulting, the person shall be imprisoned for a minimum of six (6) months to one year.
(3) For any subsequent conviction within a five (5) year period, a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) shall be imposed and the person may be imprisoned for up to one year or be required to participate in a public service program designated and approved by the court. If the person was driving after his or her application for a license had been refused or at a time when his or her license to operate was suspended, revoked, or cancelled for: (i) operating under the influence of a controlled substance or intoxicating liquor; (ii) his or her refusal to submit to a chemical test; (iii) reckless driving; (iv) manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle; or (v) operating so as to endanger, death resulting; the person shall be imprisoned for a minimum of one year. Jurisdiction for violations of this section is given to the district court and the court shall have full authority to impose any sentence authorized for violations of this section.
(d) No fines, suspensions, or jail provided for under this section can be suspended.
Contact Newport Rhode Island Defense Lawyer Joshua Macktaz by Email or call today at (401) 861-1155 and we will respond
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.
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