RI Third Offense DUI

Usually, yes. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10.3-31(b)(4), a second disqualifying offense, such as a second DUI conviction, brings a lifetime revocation of the commercial license, which may be reduced to no less than 10 years under department of revenue regulations. Federal motor carrier safety regulations apply the same rule.

It can. The immigration consequences of a DUI conviction depend on the facts of the case and on federal immigration law, and a felony conviction can affect status, future applications, and travel. Any non-citizen facing felony DUI charges should consult an immigration attorney in addition to criminal defense counsel.

Sometimes. Reduction typically depends on a successful lookback challenge, prior-conviction validity challenge, or strong suppression motion that gives the prosecution reason to negotiate.

Yes. A third-offense DUI within the lookback window is a felony under RIGL § 31-27-2(d)(3), carrying mandatory state prison time of 1 to 3 years (3 to 5 years at a BAC of .15 or above). Effective July 1, 2025, the lookback window is ten years (increased from five), measured from the prior conviction date to the date of the new offense.

The statutory range is 1 to 3 years, with the 1-year minimum mandatory. At a BAC of .15 or above, or if the driver was under the influence of drugs, the range is a mandatory 3 to 5 years. A judge has discretion to impose a longer suspended portion or split sentence in select cases.