A DUI charge often comes with serious consequences. You may lose your license, face jail time and have to pay large fines. If you have a child in the vehicle at the time of your DUI stop, it could increase the penalties you will face.
According to the State of Rhode Island General Assembly, having a minor in the vehicle while driving under the influence will result in a felony criminal charge. This applies even if the basic charge would only be a misdemeanor. The presence of a child increases the severity of the charge due to the risk you put the child in by driving under the influence.
A more serious crime
While the law recognizes that any DUI is a serious crime, it becomes more severe when a child is in the vehicle because the child has no ability to avoid the situation. As the person responsible for the child, you have complete control. By putting him or her in this dangerous situation, you increase the overall seriousness of the crime.
The penalties
The law increasing a DUI to a felony charge due to the presence of a minor will also increase the penalties. Beyond taking the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony, this law also will increase the potential fine, which is up to $5,000. You may face more time behind bars in prison instead of jail with a potential for up to five years. Lastly, you will face a longer suspension of your driver’s license. The state can take them from you for up to two years, and you will lose them automatically upon your arrest for a DUI.
