A DUI Lawyer in Cranston will provide you with information pertaining to DUI laws within the Cranston area. This information will allow you and your attorney to determine your options and how to proceed with your case. As your lawyer will inform you, the number of prior convictions, you have will affect your case.
It will additionally affect the assigned punishment if you are convicted of an additional DUI charge. Paul J. Ferns Attorney at Law is a DUI lawyer who handles cases such as yours. If you need legal representation, you may contact him locally.
If You are a First-time Offender
If this is your first DUI offense Cranston, you may qualify for programs that will enable you to seek treatment instead of jail or other punishments. These programs are designed to help at-risk individuals who admit they have a problem and are ready to begin the recovery process. In most cases, you are required to plead either guilty or no contest to your charges, after your attorney discusses this matter with the judge and prosecutor. Although it is their job to convict those who are guilty of these offenses, both the judge and prosecutor acquired their roles in order to help people. This includes helping those who need assistance that may not otherwise acquire recovery from their addictions through other means.
Additional Convictions
In DUI cases, individuals who receive three convictions are sentenced based upon the number of DUI charges they receive within a five-year period. The third conviction requires an extended sentence in the county jail as well as license suspension for up to three years depending upon the county in which you receive this conviction. In most states, the fourth DUI conviction is classified as a felony. The judge will sentence you for this conviction based on its felony classification in which harsher punishments will apply.
If you exceed four DUI convictions in a five-year period, you may receive a prison sentence in addition to common requirements for these charges. The first three convictions are classified as misdemeanors in most states. Any additional criminal charges that were placed against you when you were arrested will apply to this conviction. For instance, if you were charged with a DUI after an automobile accident, you will receive more than a DUI charge. This is especially true if the other driver suffered extensive injuries or died as a result of the accident.
