Cranston DUI Defense

DUI Defense Attorney in Cranston

Nearly 20 Years of Criminal Defense Experience

I represent Cranston residents facing DUI charges, from first-time allegations to felony cases involving injury or death. At The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq., I draw on nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience to examine the charge, explain what lies ahead, and develop a defense based on the circumstances.

My roots as a public defender gave me substantial experience working directly with people accused of crimes. I’ve represented clients in every district and superior court statewide, and I’m a member of the National College for DUI Defense. That background helps me identify the criminal, evidentiary, and licensing issues that may arise after an arrest.

Call (401) 312-4385 to discuss your arrest with a DUI attorney serving Cranston and receive a free consultation.

DUI-Related Charges I Handle for Cranston Clients

A DUI allegation may involve alcohol, drugs, chemical test results, observed impairment, or a combination of evidence. I represent drivers of different ages and license classes, including those facing enhanced or felony-level allegations.

My DUI defense practice includes:

First-time DUI charges
Repeat DUI allegations
Underage DUI charges
Commercial DUI cases
Drug-related DUI allegations
Breathalyzer refusals
Chemical test refusals
DUI charges involving injury
Felony DUI charges
Vehicular manslaughter allegations

A refusal allegation may create a civil proceeding in addition to the criminal case. As a drunk driving attorney, I distinguish between these tracks so clients understand which court or tribunal is addressing each issue and what decisions may require their attention.

DUI Limits & First-Offense Penalties

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. The stated legal limit is 0.08% for drivers age 21 and older, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Rhode Island law may also support a DUI conviction based on impairment from liquor, drugs, toluene, or a controlled substance, even when the prosecution doesn’t rely on a result at or above 0.08%.

The potential consequences depend on the alleged BAC, the driver’s record, and other case-specific facts. The listed first-offense penalties vary by BAC tier, and each tier permits a jail term of up to one year:

From 0.08% to 0.1%: A fine of $100 to $300 and between 10 and 60 hours of community restitution.
From 0.1% to 0.15%: A fine of $100 to $400 and between 10 and 60 hours of community restitution.
At 0.15% or higher: A $500 fine and between 20 and 60 hours of community restitution.

State law treats a third or subsequent DUI offense as a felony. The statute also establishes mandatory imprisonment, fines, and license consequences for the aggravated tier described in the law. For a person under 18 convicted of a first DUI violation, it requires between 10 and 60 hours of public community restitution and a six-month license suspension.

The Criminal Court Process After a Cranston DUI Arrest

A criminal DUI case generally moves from arrest and charging to arraignment, pretrial proceedings, and trial if it isn’t otherwise resolved. At arraignment, the charge is formally presented and the accused enters a plea. The evidence, charge level, and procedural history determine what follows.

Cranston is within the Third Division of the Rhode Island District Court, which sits at the Philip W. Noel Judicial Complex. This court handles arraignments in misdemeanor and felony cases. A misdemeanor prosecuted there may carry a fine not exceeding $1,000 and imprisonment for no more than one year.

The court doesn’t conduct jury trials. Pretrial proceedings may address the prosecution’s evidence, disputed legal issues, and a possible resolution. If the case continues toward trial or involves a felony, the applicable process depends on the charge and how it proceeds through the state court system.

I review each stage with my client rather than treating arraignment, pretrial conferences, and trial preparation as interchangeable events. As a DUI lawyer serving Cranston, I explain the immediate proceeding, evaluate the available evidence, and provide personalized advice about the legal options at that point in the case.

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Client Testimonials

Your Success is Our Success

"Tom was great!"
Tom was great, he made sure I knew what to expect at all times. He was always straight foward and continued to reassure me thoughtout the court process, he made a very stressful situation as smooth as possible! Would 150% recommend him to anyone in need of a great lawyer!

- Britney
"Utmost professionalism and results."
Tom’s work on my behalf was invaluable and I am very grateful for his help and services. When I first met with Tom during our consultation, he was extremely informative, professional and reassuring. He also proved to be prescient, as the process of my situation unfolded exactly as he had told me it would. Tom was easily accessible and available for follow up and/or any questions that arose. He was able to secure great results to resolve my situation. In short, Tom was excellent! I’m lucky and grateful for the services and results!

- Edward
"Easily one of the best lawyers to work with!"
Tom was exceptional to work with, he exceeded all my expectations. He was always on time and returned my calls or messages fast! He was highly knowledgeable about the law and all the dealings and procedures of my case and all the other questions that I had for him. I highly recommend using Tom for all your legal needs. I hope to never have any legal issues again but in the case I do, I know I have a lawyer I can trust and I wouldn't go to anyone else!

- Kevin
"The BEST Attorney!!!"
I had an incident happen to me & I found Tom just by accident....He was there for me from start to finish....Can't say enough about this guy...if you are EVER in a legal situation....You will come out a better person. I have !!

- Patti

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Discuss Your Cranston DUI Charge with Tom Thomasian

A free consultation is an opportunity to explain what happened and learn what proceedings you may face. I provide personalized legal counsel so clients can understand their options before making important decisions about a criminal charge.

I’m available 24/7 for client concerns. Whether the case involves a first arrest, a refusal allegation, or a more serious DUI-related charge, I can address the criminal proceedings and any separate Traffic Tribunal issues raised by the circumstances.

Call (401) 312-4385 now to speak with a drunk driving lawyer serving Cranston and request your free consultation.

Chemical Test Refusals & Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal Proceedings

The tribunal handles civil license-suspension and chemical-test-refusal hearings separately from the criminal DUI case. It’s located in Cranston, but its proceedings aren’t a substitute for the criminal case in court. Each track addresses different legal issues and consequences.

A refusal hearing concerns civil driving consequences. I handle both chemical test and breathalyzer refusals, including cases in which a client must respond to a criminal charge while addressing a separate tribunal proceeding.

Conditional Hardship Licenses

A person convicted of DUI may apply for a conditional hardship license that permits driving to work, school, and medical appointments. An applicant must first agree to install an ignition interlock device, which requires a qualifying breath sample before the vehicle can start. Eligibility and available driving conditions depend on the applicable law and the person’s circumstances.

Driving Records & Expungement

A DUI conviction typically remains on a state driving record for five to 10 years. A conviction generally can’t be expunged, so it ordinarily can’t be cleared from the criminal record through that process. An arrest that ends in dismissal or a not-guilty finding may be eligible for expungement, depending on the record and applicable requirements.

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Why Tom Is the Right Choice

Proven Record of Success
Almost 20 Years of Criminal Defense Experience
Personalized Legal Representation
10.0 Superb Avvo Rating
Free Consultations
24/7 Availability