Starting January 1, 2015, a new DUI and refusal law will be going into effect in the State of Rhode Island.  As I previously blogged on November 6, 2014, this new DUI law will have a large impact on those people charged with DUI or chemical test refusals.  Rhode Island General Law §31-27-2  Driving Under Influence of Liquor or Drugs becomes effective January 1, 2015 and will allow a defendant the ability to have a work license in exchange for having an interlock system installed in their vehicle.  A work license, otherwise known as Cinderella license, hardship license, or restricted license all refer to the new Rhode Island law that allows a drunk driving or refusal offenders to drive for a legitimate purpose such as going to work. The hardship license will be valid only for twelve (12) hours per day to get to and from work and shall be given in conjunction with the installation of an ignition interlock device in the vehicle.

An ignition interlock device is connected to a vehicle's ignition and requires the driver to blow into  the interlock device prior to starting the vehicle in addition to blowing into the device while the vehicle is operating. This is done in order to prevent a driver from being able to start his or her automobile or continue to drive the automobile if there is a detection of alcohol on his or her breath.

This law is very helpful in many ways.  First and foremost, this law will prevent drunk drivers from being able to start their cars. A second effect is that it will allow drivers who receive a DUI not to have their lives completely destroyed as a result of losing their ability to drive to and from their work.  This law will allow many people to keep their employment after a DUI.

Not everyone will be able to get a hardship license, since the law is new and complicated.  Now more then ever is it important that you hire the right lawyer to represent you in you drunk driving or breathalyzer refusal case.  The experienced DUI lawyer not only can help you win your case, but now can help you in your effort to receive a hardship license. 

Do not take chances with your future! You need to hire a top DUI/drunk driving lawyer now.  Call Attorney Michael J. Zarrella to review your case and help you plan a winning defense.  Attorney Michael Zarrella has been winning DUI/drunk driving cases for 20 years.  For more information please review his websites at www.rhodeislanddefenselawyer.com or  www.ridrunkdrivingattorney.com.