A first-offense DUI in Rhode Island carries up to 1 year in jail, community service, and mandatory attendance at a DUI education program. (Rhode Island calls the charge DUI. Other states say DWI or OUI, so a "DWI first offense" in Rhode Island is the same charge.) The fine and license suspension depend on your BAC:
- BAC 0.08 to 0.10: $100 to $300 fine, 10 to 60 hours of community service, 30 to 180 day suspension
- BAC 0.10 to 0.15, or unknown: $100 to $400 fine, 10 to 60 hours, 3 to 12 month suspension
- BAC 0.15 or higher: $500 fine, 20 to 60 hours, 3 to 18 month suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock
Every conviction also adds a $500 highway assessment. The real cost across fines, fees, ignition interlock, insurance hikes, and lost work time routinely runs into the low five figures over multiple years.