A second-offense Rhode Island DUI within 5 years carries up to 1 year jail with a 10-day mandatory minimum that cannot be suspended, fines from $400 to $1,000, license suspension of 1 to 2 years, mandatory ignition interlock for 1 year after suspension ends, required substance abuse treatment, and a permanent criminal record. The 10-day mandatory minimum is a key feature: even with a strong defense, second-offense convictions usually result in some custody time. Defense work focuses on reducing the charge (to first-offense, reckless driving, or dismissal) before the mandatory minimum applies.
