The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq
Contact Us Today! 401.623.8050

Don’t Face the Justice System Alone.

Fight Potential DUI Penalties.

The penalties associated with a DUI conviction are serious. We can help minimize or avoid the negative impact they can have on your life.

Get Legal Help Now

Defending Against DUI Charges in

Understanding DUI & the Penalties

At The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq, we understand that individuals who have been pulled over and arrested for DUI or charged with drunk driving can be feeling incredibly uncertain about what the future holds. No matter your walk of life, any type of criminal charge could put things in perspective: What about your future? What about your freedom? What happens next? Our DUI defense attorney is prepared to answer your questions and make sure you understand your defense options. It is our goal to help minimize or completely avoid the consequences associated with a DUI charge.

Speak with an attorney confidentially by calling (401) 623-8050 now.

Common Penalties

Unlike most criminal cases, DUI cases will often involve two different processes: criminal and administrative. This means that individuals who have been arrested for a drunk driving offense could be subject to two types of penalties. When the stakes are high, you will need to work with a defense lawyer who understands how to navigate both sides of a DUI case.

  • Jail or Prison Time
  • License Suspension
  • Multiple Court Hearings
  • Court Fees & Fines
  • Possible License Revocation
  • Impounded Car
  • Required AA Classes
  • Ignition Interlock Device
  • Increased Insurance Rates

What Factors Are Taken Into Consideration During Sentencing?

  • The type of drugs and narcotics involved
  • The quantity of drugs and narcotics
  • Nature and variety of prior criminal convictions
  • Overall criminal history of the defendant charged
  • Whether the defendant is curently on probation
  • The actual or potential harm to the public
  • The financial benefit to the defendant
  • The defendant's age
  • The defendant's own dependence on drugs or narcotics
  • The defendant's psychiatric history
  • Evidence of rehabilitation

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Answers You Need, Fast.

  • Questions

  • Will I be penalized if I refuse to take a chemical test?

    Answer

    Almost all states implement what are known as “Implied Consent Laws.” In the simplest definition, implied consent basically means that all legally licensed drivers have agreed to take and complete a blood, breath, or chemical test when asked by law enforcement (upon obtaining a valid license). This means that you must cooperate and subject to a chemical test if an officer suspects you of drunk driving. Refusal to take this test could result in an immediate suspension of your driver’s license.

  • Are penalties more severe for commercial drivers?

    Answer

    It depends. Any type of criminal arrest can be serious for a person who relies on his or commercial license for his or her career. This is also true for other professionals, such as teachers, doctors, or others who rely on security clearance for their job. If you depend on a commercial license (CDL) for your job, however, you could be facing an immediate revocation of your license and your livelihood could be at stake. Speak with us immediately to determine the next steps you can take to help reduce the negative impact of a DUI arrest.

  • What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

    Answer

    An IID is a type of device that may be required to be installed in the vehicle of a driver who has been convicted of DUI. The device will prevent a driver from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol by requiring a breath sample prior to starting the vehicle or while the vehicle is running. If the device detects an elevated BAC level, the vehicle will not start.

  • Why do I need to hire a defense lawyer?

    Answer

    There are numerous working parts involved in a DUI-related offense, and many of these working parts have to do with serious administrative penalties, court fees, insurance problems, licensing issues, jail time sentences, and more. To increase your chances of avoiding these negative consequences, you should involve a defense lawyer in your case sooner rather than later. Fast, proactive action can help minimize or completely eliminate penalization.

  • Meet Attorney Tom Thomasian

    Compassionate Defense Lawyer

    Whether you are facing accusations of DUI, domestic violence, shoplifting, or another type of criminal offense, you could be facing penalties that include jail time, expensive fines, probation, and life with a criminal record. Don't make room for a conviction without first putting up a fight! Attorney Thomasian of the Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq. can help you take a stand in defense of your rights.

    When you hire Thomas Thomasian, you are selecting an experienced and highly successful attorney with a Superb Avvo Rating. He was voted a Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer as well as 10 Best in Client Satisfaction, and is a member of the National College for DUI Defense ®.

    With a deep understanding of every level of the Rhode Island and Massachusetts legal systems, Rhode Island criminal attorney, Thomas knows what it takes to win and will not stop fighting for his clients until every legal avenue has been exhausted. His dedication and client-focused service has not gone unnoticed. In 2014, 2015 & 2016, he received the Avvo Clients' Choice Award, an honor that was based on achieving a large volume of outstanding client reviews.

Results Matter

  • DOMESTIC ASSAULT

    Dismissed

    Police are dispatched to client’s residence for a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon their arrival, police find the complaining witness unconscious on the basement floor. Police speak to a witness who indicates that the complaining witness and client were engaged in a verbal altercation when client punched the complaining witness in the head. Client then left the scene and later that day was arrested. Attorney Thomasian gets case dismissed.

  • DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

    Dismissed

    Police respond to where client’s car has hit a telephone pole. While talking, police notice the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from client’s mouth and moderately bloodshot eyes. Police ask client to submit to field sobriety tests, and she agrees but fails the tests. Police transport her to the police station. Once they get to the police station, police ask client to take a breathalyzer test and she refuses. Attorney Thomasian gets case dismissed.

  • SHOPLIFTING

    DISMISSED

    Police respond to Walmart for a reported shoplifter in custody. Loss prevention tells police that they witnessed client in the cosmetics aisle placing merchandise into a bag. After they see client do this, they observe client exit the store making no attempt to pay for the concealed items. Once outside, loss prevention approaches client and brings client back into the store. Attorney Thomasian gets case dismissed.

Why Hire Our Firm for Your Defense?

  • Attorney Thomasian is a Member of the National College for DUI Defense

  • Our Defense Attorneys Have Extensive Experience Fighting for Clients in Trial

  • Our Team Is Recognized and Respected for Exceptional Legal Representation

  • We Are Readily Available to Assist Our Clients 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Send Us a Message

Client Testimonials

Your Case Is in Good Hands

  • “Tom is very knowledgeable about the process, and it went just as he described it. the overall outcome was better than expected. I would recommend him for any future matters. Tom was also available whenever I needed him.”

    Sean

  • “I had an incident happen to me and I found Tom by accident. He was there for me from start to finish. I can’t say enough about this guy and if you are ever in a legal situation, you will not find a better lawyer.”

    Patti

Contact Us for a Free DUI Consultation!

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