How DUIs Affect Professional Licenses in Rhode Island: Medical, Teachers, CDL & More

Facing a DUI charge in Rhode Island can be a daunting and overwhelming event. Unfortunately, these allegations can impact more than just your driving and criminal records. A DUI conviction in Rhode Island can also impact your livelihood, making it harder to get jobs and find housing. A compassionate lawyer from Ellison Law LLC can help you understand how DUIs affect professional licenses in Rhode Island and what steps you can take.

About Us

Ellison Law LLC has spent years advocating for residents of Newport, Providence, Warwick, and cities around Rhode Island during DUI cases. We have experience handling a wide range of cases, from minor speeding tickets to hit-and-run charges. Founding attorney David Ellison has received the Professional Excellence in Law award from Rhode Island Monthly every year since 2019. When you work with our firm, you can trust that your case is in the right hands.

Understanding DUIs in Rhode Island

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor in Rhode Island that occurs when someone operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08%, or while intoxicated by a drug. For commercial drivers, the BAC legal limit is 0.04%. There is no specified concentration for DUIs involving non-alcohol substances, and it is instead based on how it affects the driver.

Drunk driving remains a major public health concern in the United States. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 12,429 deaths in accidents linked to impaired drivers across the country, and 24 fatalities alone in Rhode Island. In 2022, local law enforcement made roughly 3,000 DUI arrests statewide, emphasizing the sheer amount of intoxicated driving seen throughout the small state.

How a DUI May Affect Your Rhode Island Professional License

When your career requires a professional license, facing a DUI charge can be even more stressful. While state law protects individuals from arrests or misdemeanor convictions with no jail time being used as the sole grounds for a license revocation, the specific rules for each profession change based on the licensing board.

The following are a few common professions that may be affected by a DUI:

• Commercial Driver. Individuals who hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are generally impacted the most when charged with DUIs. This is because commercial drivers face strict regulations to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the roads. Upon a first DUI conviction, a driver typically has their CDL revoked for one year. If they were transporting hazardous materials, this is extended to three years.
• Healthcare Professionals. How a DUI affects your career as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional depends on where you work and the circumstances of your case. State law allows medical boards to mandate licensees to report any criminal charges, including DUIs. For instance, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the state must report any conviction and maintain a state of good moral character.
• Teachers. Educators in Rhode Island may retain their teaching licenses after a DUI as long as they notify the proper authorities. If you are a teacher, you must report a DUI conviction to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) within 15 days of the court decision. Failure to do so may result in an automatic revocation of authorization, regardless of your charge’s details.

How Ellison Law LLC Can Help

No matter your position, it’s crucial that you hire a DUI lawyer from Ellison Law LLC who can advocate for your rights and protect your career. Our team understands just how much is at stake when you’re facing a DUI charge while holding a professional license, which is why we’re dedicated to building strategic, effective defense strategies that work to get your charges reduced or dismissed completely.

FAQs

Do You Need a Lawyer for a DUI Case in Rhode Island?

While Rhode Island state law does not legally require you to hire an attorney for your DUI defense, it is highly recommended, especially if you hold a professional license. They can review the evidence against you, build your defense, highlight procedural errors, and represent you in all court hearings. If a conviction seems likely, your attorney can negotiate with the court to find a deal that limits the consequences on your job.

Can You Keep a CDL After Being Convicted of a DUI in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, you typically cannot keep your commercial driver’s license after a DUI conviction. If you had a BAC of 0.04% or greater, your CDL will be automatically suspended for one year after a first-time DUI conviction. If you were transporting hazardous materials, the extension increases to three years. Additionally, a second DUI can result in a lifetime disqualification from having a CDL or a ten-year ban based on the situation.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Rhode Island?

How much your Rhode Island DUI lawyer costs depends on the complexity of your case, any aggravating factors, whether a trial is required, and the workload for the firm. Another contributing element to the final bill is the pricing model, with various attorneys using hourly rates, retainer expenses, or flat fee structures. In your initial consultation, your lawyer can provide an estimate for your final legal costs.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Rhode Island?

How long a DUI stays on your Rhode Island driving record is an important concern for many professionals facing a charge. In general, alcohol related traffic offenses are automatically expunged from your driving record after five years. A DUI conviction will remain indefinitely on your criminal record unless you apply for it to be sealed. Your attorney can explain the various records in which a DUI may appear and affect your career.

Hire a DUI Lawyer in Rhode Island Today

Ellison Law LLC is here to help professionals across Rhode Island combat DUI charges. We understand how frightening a threat to your career can be, and we can use our years of legal knowledge, experience, and skills to fight for you. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, during which we can discuss your concerns, learn your story, and provide potential strategies to defend your career.