Felony DUI Charges Giving You a Fighting Chance

Rhode Island Felony DUI Lawyer

Trusted RI DUI Defense Attorney

Any driving under the influence (DUI) charge can result in incarceration and/or fines, among other criminal sanctions. The conviction and penalties can jeopardize your future. While the first two DUIs are misdemeanors, carrying no more than one year in jail, a felony DUI conviction comes with much more severe consequences. No matter why you have been charged with felony DUI, take control of your case by entrusting it to our skilled Rhode Island DUI defense attorney at The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq.

Our Rhode Island felony DUI attorney Tom Thomasian understands the ramifications of such an accusation. He has handled numerous criminal cases and knows how charges can be beaten. His experience in DUI defense is so robust, he is a member of the National College for DUI Defense®. Tom is available to his clients 24/7 because he knows when a person’s charged with as serious an offense as this, they will likely have many questions and concerns at any time. He provides the support and advice you need when working toward a favorable outcome in your case.

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our firm at (401) 312-4385 today!

What's Rhode Island's DUI Law?

The Rhode Island statute concerning DUIs is R.I. General Laws § 31-27-2.

A person commits an offense when they drive or operate a vehicle:

  • While under the influence of liquor, drugs, or a controlled substance;
  • With a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more; or
  • With the presence of any controlled substance in their system.

As mentioned earlier, the first two times a person violates the law, they will be charged with a misdemeanor.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Rhode Island?

Drunk or drugged driving isn't always a misdemeanor in Rhode Island. Under several situations, the charge can be elevated to a felony.

The circumstances in which a felony DUI charge arise are as follows:

  • The person has 2 or more previous DUIs within the past 5 years and
    • Their BAC was .08% or higher
    • Their BAC was unknown; or
    • They had any controlled substance in their system
  • The person was 18 years of age or older and had a passenger under 13 years of age in the vehicle (second or subsequent offense)
  • The person caused an accident resulting in serious bodily injury to another (R.I. General Laws § 31-27-2.6)
  • The person caused an accident resulting in death to another (R.I. General Laws § 31-27-2.2)

At The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq., we know that a DUI charge must be taken seriously regardless of the situation. That is why we ensure that we fully analyze the case and review everything that happened from the initial stop to the arrest to the chemical test being administered. By thoroughly examining the matter, we can develop a strategic approach to aggressively fight the charge. Discuss the details of your situation with us, and we can determine what defenses can be mounted on your behalf.

What Are the Penalties for a Felony DUI?

Because felonies are considered such serious offenses, the punishments a court can impose are severe.

The specific penalties are tied to the facts of the case and include the following:

  • Third or subsequent DUI (BAC of .08% or more but less than .15%):
    • Between 1 and 3 years in jail (48 hours of which must be served consecutively)
    • Mandatory $400 fine
    • Driver's license suspension for 2 to 3 years
    • Alcohol or drug treatment
  • Third or subsequent offense (BAC of .15% or above or under the influence of any drug or controlled substance):
    • Mandatory prison term between 3 and 5 years
    • Mandatory fine between $1,000 and $5,000
    • Mandatory driver's license suspension for 3 years
    • Alcohol or drug treatment
    • Prohibition from operating a vehicle that doesn’t have an ignition interlock device installed
    • Vehicle seizure and sale
  • DUI with a child passenger (second or subsequent violation):
    • Up to 5 years’ imprisonment
    • Up to $5,000 in fines
    • Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
    • Alcohol or drug education/treatment
    • Attendance in a special DUI course
    • Highway assessment fee of up to $500
  • DUI resulting in serious injury (first offense):
    • Between 1 and 10 years’ imprisonment
    • Between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines
    • Driver’s license revocation for up to 2 years
    • Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment
  • DUI resulting in serious injury (second or subsequent offense):
    • Between 2 and 15 years’ imprisonment
    • Between $3,000 and $10,000 in fines
    • Driver’s license revocation for up to 4 years
    • Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment
  • DUI resulting in death (first offense):
    • Between 5 and 15 years’ imprisonment
    • Between $5,000 and $10,000 in fines
    • Driver’s license revocation for 5 years
    • Completion of an alcohol or drug treatment
  • DUI resulting in death (second or subsequent offense):
    • Between 10 and 20 years’ imprisonment
    • Between $10,000 and $20,000 in fines
    • Driver’s license revocation for 5 years
    • Completion of an alcohol or drug treatment

At The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq., we know the severe consequences of a felony DUI in Rhode Island. That is why we deliver aggressive defense focused on protecting your rights and future.

Get Reliable Defense for Your Case

Even in the face of serious charges such as a felony DUI, you are innocent until proven guilty. Various defenses can be raised to assert your innocence. For example, some DUI charges can be fought by showing that the equipment used to analyze blood, breath, or urine samples was faulty, or that police followed incorrect procedures when making a stop or arrest.

Let our Rhode Island felony DUI lawyer review your case's details to develop a strategy to attack the accusations made against you.

Contact Attorney Tom Thomasian at (401) 312-4385 for a zealous advocate who can work hard on your behalf.

Why Tom Is the Right Choice

  • Proven Record of Success
  • Over a Decade of Criminal Defense Experience
  • Personalized Legal Representation
  • 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating
  • Free Consultations
  • 24/7 Availability

Let's Discuss Your Options

Schedule a Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.

Testimonials

Read Our Clients' Success Stories

  • Britney

    Tom was great!

  • Edward

    Utmost professionalism and results.

  • Kevin

    Easily one of the best lawyers to work with!

  • Joanna

    An attorney that gives you peace of mind.

  • Sean

    Tom was also available whenever I needed him.

  • Patti

    The BEST Attorney!!!

  • Adriana

    Fabulous Criminal Lawyer

  • Z

    Great Attorney!

  • Michael S.

    Put My Mind at Ease!

  • sroeun case

    Professional Help

  • KG

    Attorney Thomasian is the Best!

  • Jeff H.

    Compassionate Man and Awesome Lawyer!

  • Jennifer

    Great attorney!

  • Cheryl Barnhill

    Thomas stands by the truth and his clients!

  • tor

    Well respected, highly recommended

  • Angela A

    Tom is by far the best criminal lawyer in the state maybe the country!

  • Maria

    Very Patient and Responded Quickly

  • Melissa DiSano

    Highly Recommend

  • Karen

    I'm proud to say that Thomas Thomasian is my attorney.

  • J. A. Rubio

    Excellent

  • Very helpful

    Amazing attorney

  • Brian Gault

    Excellant Job

  • Austin L

    Absolutely and completely satisfied!

  • Mark Talenfeld

    Rhode Island's Best Criminal Defense Attorney

  • Grateful Client

    Tom Thomasian is an amazing lawyer and a great person!

  • Jessica Rezendes

    Mr. Tomasian IS THE BEST

  • K. Nguyen

    Great Attoney

  • Stephen L

    Great Lawyer

  • Jess d

    Great Experience for a Bad Situation!

  • Jim

    Highly recommended!

  • Joe Siepietowski

    Look no further Tom's the man....

  • Satisfied Client

    10 stars for this lawyer...Tom exceeds expectations

  • Deb M.

    YOUR SEARCH IS OVER! HIRE THIS GUY!!!

  • Frank

    Great Lawyer! Thank You!

  • Gordon

    Very good

  • Scott R.

    Quick and Painless, Had My Back

  • Deya C.

    Great Lawyer

  • JoieR

    Thanks, forever grateful.

  • Jesiah Richet

    "I love this company!"

  • Calista & Paul

    We will be forever grateful!

  • Tanya L.

    Wonderful Representation

  • Judy

    "Thomas Thomasian #1 Lawyer"

  • Joel

    Made me feel like a friend

  • Jean Y

    I love the law office of Thomas Thomasion

  • Dasilva

    Excellent company

  • Bob S

    Top notch representation!

  • Robert

    Highly Recommended

  • Katrina

    Tom Thomasian is the best!

  • Olga O.

    "I love Attorney Thomas C. Thomasian"

  • Laura K

    Tom Thomasian was a lifesaver!

  • Andrew R

    Tom Thomasian is the best and most professional lawyer in the state of RI

  • Lisa

    Best choice

  • J coffey

    Great job!

  • Adam C.

    ONLY CALL YOU NEED TO MAKE!

  • David Bates

    WORDS CANT EXPLAIN MR THOMASIAN

  • Elizabeth

    BEST ATTORNEY EVER- DESERVES 20 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Beth

    TREMENDOUS ATTORNEY!!!!!!!!????????????????????

  • EvaW

    Professional, Prompt and Courteous!

  • Brady duran

    This company is great

    "No need to worry when Tom Thomasian has your back."

  • E. Suarez

    Thomas Thomasian is the best there is and truly cares for his clients.

  • M S

    Great Experience!!

  • tanya v.

    Such a great amazing lawyer

  • Tanya visinho

    " A Hard working & excellent lawyer"

  • Anonymous

    Empathetic Lawyer-Excellent Representation

  • Natalie B.

    Very professional, prompt and reasonable.

  • Anonymous

    Tom is the best!

  • Anonymous

    So thankful I had Tom as a lawyer!!

  • Paul

    Great Experience!

  • Christen

    I thank God everyday for sending Tom to me!!!

  • Maria

    Thomas Thomasian was a Blessing

  • Tyree

    Great Lawyer

  • Charles I.

    Pleasure Working with Tom