Top-Rated Middletown DUI Lawyer Ready to Defend Your Charges
Have you been pulled over for driving under the influence in Middletown, RI? Being arrested for a DUI can be an unsettling experience, but when you work with a Middletown DUI lawyer, you know that you’re taking the best possible path forward. Judges and police in Middletown consider a DUI a serious offense and the consequences can be severe. That’s why it’s so important to call Middletown RI DUI Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. as soon as possible after a DUI arrest to get the legal guidance and support you need.
Middletown RI DUI Laws
It’s important to know how DUI laws are defined and addressed in Middletown RI. You can be charged with a DUI under the following conditions:
- If you have a BAC of .08% or over and you’re over the age of 21
- If you have a BAC of at least .02% and you’re under the age of 21
Law enforcement officials are likely to pull drivers over if they’re tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, swerving, braking without reason, speeding, or driving well under the speed limit. If you believe you were pulled over without cause or if you feel your rights were violated in some way throughout your DUI interrogation, it’s important to contact a Middletown DUI attorney to discuss your case.
DUI Penalties in Middletown RI
The penalties for a first-time DUI with a BAC of .08%-.10% can include:
- Between $100-$300 in fines
- Up to one year in jail
- 30-180 days of a license suspension
- Community service
- Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment programs
- An Ignition Interlock Device installed in your car
The penalties for a first-time DUI when you’re under 21 and your BAC is between .02%-.08% can include:
- Required attendance in a DUI class
- At least 30 hours of community service
- $250 fine
- License suspension of 1-3 months
The penalties for a second DUI in Middletown (within 5 years of your first DUI conviction) can include:
- Jail time (jail sentence will depend on your BAC at the time of the arrest)
- Community service
- Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
- An Ignition Interlock Device installed in your car
- 1-2 years of a suspended license
As you can see, penalties for a DUI in Middletown can be harsh, severely affect your day-to-day life, and may even result in jail time. Working with a Middletown DUI lawyer can help.
A Middletown DUI defense attorney can walk you through your possible penalties and work towards minimizing those punishments. Contact Middletown DUI lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today to learn more about DUI defense.
Other Important Facts and Information About Middletown DUI Defense
Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the Middletown DUI laws, penalties, and defense. Don’t hesitate to contact The Law Office of Middletown DUI Defense Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. to discuss your case and get your DUI questions answered.
Should I plead guilty in my DUI case?
This is a common mistake that many drivers make after being charged with their first DUI. You may think that the odds are stacked against you, but a Middletown DUI defense attorney can present options that you didn’t know were available. It is never recommended to simply plead guilty in a DUI case.
Before you go before a judge and present a plea, be sure to call a Middletown DUI lawyer to discuss your case. Your DUI attorney can guide you through the legal process and advise you on how to approach your case.
To schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about the Rhode Island DUI legal process, contact Middletown DUI defense attorney S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today.
What should I do when pulled over by the police?
If you’re pulled over for any reason, it’s important to follow the customary protocols when you see an officer put their lights on behind you.
Make sure you’re pulling over to a safe place where other drivers aren’t in danger, have your license and registration ready, roll your window down all the way, and communicate clearly and respectfully with the law enforcement officer.
Behaving erratically, disrespectfully, or arguing with the officer will only make matters worse.
However, it’s always important to remember that you do have rights.
For instance, if an officer tries to illegally search your car, uses derogatory language, or uses unnecessary force during an arrest, you need to identify the name and badge number of the officer and contact a Middletown defense lawyer as soon as possible.
A Middletown defense lawyer can tell you if there are any legal steps you should take after your experience with the officer.
Should I refuse to take a breathalyzer test?
To learn more about breathalyzer tests and learn more about your rights and the law regarding breathalyzer visit the Rhode Island Breathalyzer Refusal page.
How much does a Middletown DUI defense attorney cost?
The cost of a Middletown DUI attorney will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your case and the time and attention required to build your defense. If you speak with anyone who has received successful results from the help of a Middletown RI DUI defense lawyer, they’ll tell you that avoiding jail time and other severe penalties makes hiring a DUI lawyer well worth the cost. To understand more about the cost of a Middletown RI DUI defense attorney, call The Law Office of S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today at (401) 861-1155 to schedule a free case evaluation.
What should I look for when choosing a Middletown DUI lawyer?
One of the most important things to look for in a Middletown DUI defense lawyer is experience and evidence of successful results. Middletown Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. has 30 years of experience successfully defending DUI charges in Rhode Island, and has a long list of 5-star online reviews to validate it.
Middletown DUI attorney, S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. also promises to answer all your questions, address your concerns, and be right there next to you in court. He keeps his clients updated on every stage of their DUI case and makes himself accessible to talk you through the legal procedures.