South Kingstown Criminal Defense Lawyer with Extensive Experience Defending DUI Cases

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI in South Kingstown, Rhode Island? If so, you need an experienced South Kingstown DUI lawyer to defend you at the Washington County RI District Court. Law enforcement and prosecutors in South Kingstown take drunk driving seriously, which means penalties can be severe. Contact the law office of S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options.

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. South Kingstown Dui Lawyer 30+ Years of Experience Defending Dui Charges

I have dedicated my career to defending those who feel hopeless and defeated by legal challenges, especially those involving DUIs in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. With my extensive experience, criminal defense background, and previous history as a prosecutor, I can be a vital resource for those facing a DUI arrest. Contact Washington County Criminal Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today to schedule a free consultation, where you and I will discuss:

The circumstances surrounding your DUI arrest
Your options for moving forward
Defense strategies
A timeline of your case

What happens after a DUI arrest in South Kingstown?

After you’re arrested for a DUI, you’ll likely be processed at a South Kingstown police station and given a date for your arraignment hearing at the District court. You’ll be officially charged at this hearing and enter a plea of not guilty. As soon as you’re granted a phone call, contact a South Kingstown DUI lawyer. S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. can help you understand your charges, explain what happens next, and guide you through the criminal justice system.

What are the penalties for DUI convictions in South Kingstown, Rhode Island?

If convicted for a DUI in South Kingstown, RI, penalties will vary according to the circumstances at the time of the DUI arrest. For example, things like damage to property, your BAC, speeding, and if minors were in the car can all determine the weight of your penalties.

Remember that a driver can be arrested for a DUI if they’re over 21 and their BAC is over .08%. Drivers under the legal age to drink may face a DUI arrest if their BAC is above .02%.

For drivers over 21, penalties begin at:

Fines between $100-$300
The possibility of jail time (up to one year)
Community service
Attendance in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
License suspension (30-180 days)

For drivers under 21, penalties begin at:

License suspension (6-18 months)
$500 Highway Safety Assessment fee
Community service

When does a DUI become a felony in South Kingstown, Rhode Island?

DUI offenders will typically be charged with a misdemeanor for their first DUI. However, you may be charged with a felony DUI if you’ve had two prior DUIs within a five-year period, or there were specific circumstances, such as a serious accident, injuries, or someone as killed — a DUI will be classified as a felony. Penalties for felony DUI charges are much more severe and include mandatory jail time. It’s imperative to hire an experienced South Kingstown DUI lawyer if your DUI is classified as a felony charge. Contact S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. immediately after a DUI arrest.

Will I go to jail for a DUI?

First-offenders can typically avoid jail time with the help of a skilled DUI attorney. If you were driving with a minor, caused damage to someone’s property, or if someone was injured in the DUI accident, contact a South Kingstown DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Even if this was your first offense, these circumstances could lead to the possibility of jail time. S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. works tirelessly to help his clients avoid severe or unjust punishments and will do everything possible to avert a jail sentence.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test?

If you refuse a breathalyzer test in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, you’ll be charged with a separate offense and will likely face a license suspension. If you were pulled over and refused a breath test, it’s important to work with a DUI lawyer.

Why do I need a South Kingstown DUI lawyer?

Many first-time DUI offenders ask if it’s necessary to hire a DUI lawyer. There are significant benefits of working with an experienced DUI attorney. For instance, a skilled DUI lawyer will:

Review the evidence and be able to quickly decide if there’s a reason to have your DUI case dismissed or charged dropped.
Utilize their close relationship with the prosecution to help you make a plan to move forward.
Help you avoid unnecessary fees or costs.
Negotiate for lesser penalties.
Help you avoid jail time.
Help you get your DUI charge expunged (expungement is when an offense is erased from your record).

Hiring a seasoned South Kingstown DUI lawyer is your best shot at a desirable outcome. It can be challenging to navigate the court system alone, and thankfully, you don’t have to go through your DUI charge alone. Contact S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today to learn more about the benefits of working with him.

Contact South Kingstown DUI Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

With over 30 years of experience defending some of the most complex DUI cases in Rhode Island, S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. has earned his spot as one of the top-rated DUI lawyers in the state. If you’re in South Kingstown and you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI, don’t wait to make the call. The sooner you contact a trustworthy DUI lawyer, the sooner you can move forward. Contact South Kingstown DUI lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today to schedule your free consultation.

South Kingstown Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer Office