59 DUI arrests across Rhode Island over Labor Day weekend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association said 59 people were arrested for driving under the influence across the state of Rhode Island during Labor Day weekend.

From 12 p.m. on Aug. 29 to 6 a.m. on Sept. 6, a total of 59 DUI arrests were made with the combined efforts of 38 police departments and the Rhode Island State Police.

RISP alone made 21 DUI arrests, and investigated 63 crashes and issued 377 traffic violation citations.

The BAT Mobile, which is a blood alcohol testing unit, was deployed on Friday and Saturday to catch impaired drivers.

RIPCA listed the following penalties for the first offense of driving under the influence:

• Potential sentence of up to one year of jail time at the ACI
• Obligatory license suspension from three to 18 months
• Obligatory community service from 10 to 60 hours
• Min. fine of $100, max. fine of $500
• Fees can reach a few thousand dollars

In the state of Rhode Island, individuals are required by law to submit a chemical test of blood, bleach, or urine.

If the test is refused, RIPCA said the follow penalties can occur:

• For a first offense:
  • RI drivers licenses can be suspended for six months to one year, or changed to a permit operation with an ignition interlock device, also known as a breathalyzer, for a certain period of time
  • Fine from $200 – $500
  • 10-60 hours of community service
  • Attend a course on DUI and/or alcohol or drug treatment
• One or more offenses within the past five years can result in criminal penalties:
  • Incarceration of up to six months for second offense
  • Incarceration of up to one year for third or subsequent offense
  • Increased license suspension or ignition interlock period, fines, community service