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Driving while your license is suspended or revoked can range from a civil violation to a criminal charge in Rhode Island, depending on why the license was suspended and how many prior offenses you have.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-18 and § 31-11-18.1, the consequences differ significantly. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review which statute applies to your situation.
Under § 31-11-18, a first through third violation is generally a civil Traffic Tribunal matter (with escalating fines), while a fourth or subsequent violation is a misdemeanor. When the suspension was for a more serious reason — such as DUI, a chemical-test refusal, reckless driving, or certain other offenses — § 31-11-18.1 applies and treats the offense as criminal, with a misdemeanor for a first or second offense (including a mandatory fine and minimum jail time) and a felony for a third or subsequent offense.
Statutes and penalties can change. An attorney can confirm the current law and how it applies to your specific charge.
Every DUI and traffic case turns on its own facts. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review your charge and explain your options in plain English.
The state generally must show that you operated a vehicle while your license or privilege to drive was suspended or revoked, and (for the more serious statute) that the suspension was for a qualifying reason. Whether you had notice of the suspension can also matter.
No outcome can be guaranteed. The right approach depends on the specific facts; an attorney can review how the law may apply to your situation.
Traffic and DUI consequences can follow you for years. The sooner you have an attorney, the more can often be done to protect your rights.
DUI and traffic cases often turn on details — how the stop happened, how testing was administered, and whether procedures were followed. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your license and your rights, preserve challenges, prepare you for court, and avoid missteps that can affect the outcome.
It depends. Under section 31-11-18, early violations are civil, but a fourth or subsequent violation is a misdemeanor. If the suspension was for DUI or another serious reason, section 31-11-18.1 makes it criminal, with a felony for repeat offenses.
Notice can be an important issue. Whether you knew or should have known about the suspension may affect the case; an attorney can review the facts.
Every case is different. Depending on the stop, the evidence, and the facts, there may be issues worth raising, and some matters can sometimes be reduced or resolved another way. No outcome can be guaranteed; an attorney can review your options.
Many DUI and traffic matters carry license consequences, such as suspension or an ignition interlock requirement. The specifics depend on the charge and your record; an attorney can explain what may apply.
Bring any paperwork you received — the citation or summons, any police report or arrest paperwork, your court date notice, and any documents from the DMV or Traffic Tribunal. These help an attorney understand your situation quickly.
Yes. Attorney Boisclair represents drivers at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal and municipal court and co-chairs the Traffic Tribunal Bench/Bar Committee.
Related DUI and traffic pages for more help:
Criminal defense by Rhode Island county:
Speak with Attorney Leah J. Boisclair about your situation. Consultations are confidential, and early guidance can make a real difference.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Rhode Island traffic and criminal laws can change, and the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances. If you are facing a charge, speak with a qualified Rhode Island attorney about your situation.