DUI bodily injury and DUI manslaughter cases in Rhode Island typically take 12 to 24 months from arraignment to resolution, often longer for cases involving multiple victims or complex accident reconstruction. The discovery process alone can take months because of medical records, expert reports, and toxicology evidence that must be exchanged and reviewed. Pre-trial motion practice (suppression, severance of charges, expert witness challenges) adds additional time. Cases that go to jury trial in Rhode Island Superior Court can take 2 to 4 weeks at trial alone. Sentencing happens at a separate hearing after conviction if a plea or verdict is reached.
