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Rhode Island requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and meet certain duties. Leaving the scene can be charged as anything from a misdemeanor to a serious felony, depending on whether there was property damage, injury, or death.
These cases often turn on whether the driver knew an accident occurred. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review what happened and what the state can prove.
Under § 31-26-2, leaving the scene of an accident involving only vehicle or property damage is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and/or a license suspension up to six months. Under § 31-26-1, leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury, serious bodily injury, or death is far more serious — carrying felony-level penalties that increase with the severity of the harm, including multi-year prison terms and license revocation. § 31-26-3 describes the duties to give information and render aid.
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 were involved in an accident, that you knew or should have known it occurred, and that you failed to stop and fulfill the required duties — such as giving information and, where there is injury, rendering aid. The severity of any injury affects how the offense is charged.
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 on the harm. Property-damage cases under section 31-26-2 are misdemeanors, while injury or death cases under section 31-26-1 are felony-level with significant prison exposure.
Knowledge is often the central issue. The state generally must show you knew or should have known an accident occurred; if that cannot be proven, it can be important to the defense.
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.