Top Warwick DUI Defense Lawyer

Defend your Warwick Drunk Driving Charge

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Warwick, Rhode Island,  you need an experienced DUI lawyer to help you with these criminal charges . Attorney Michael Zarrella has years of legal experience. As a top Warwick DUI lawyer Michael Zarrella will identify the best way to win your DUI case.   Attorney Michael Zarrella will review all the reports for to find the best defense based on the facts and circumstances of your DUI arrest. You should always have an attorney fight for you in a DUI case. As a top DUI lawyer, Attorney Michael Zarrella will fight to save you from a criminal conviction, long license suspension and large fines.  He has a long and successful track record of getting DUI cases dismissed or reduced to lesser charges.

The City  of  Warwick, Rhode Island, is known for its aggressive tactics in DUI cases. The town has a rigorous approach to Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Local law enforcement, including the Warwick Police Department (WPD), is dedicated to reducing DUI in the city, However, many people who are not drunk get caught up in the wide DUI net the city casts.  People who may have one or two drinks find themselves stopped on the side of the road and being asked to perform difficult field sobriety tests that many sober people can not pass. You need to fight these cases when you get charged

While DUI stops can happen anywhere in Warwick, certain areas are known to see higher levels of law enforcement presence due to traffic patterns, nightlife, and the proximity to bars, restaurants, and entertainment districts. These areas include:

  • Warwick Avenue: Known for its bustling shops and restaurants, Warwick Avenue is a frequent spot for DUI stops and numerous patrols, especially during the late hours when traffic volume is high.

  • Post Road: As one of the main thoroughfares in the city, Post Road is often monitored for DUI enforcement, especially near popular hangouts when people might be leaving a nice dinner.

  • West Shore Road: This area sees a higher concentration of DUI stops due to the many restaurants and bars along the road. The police are always on this street looking for DUIs

  • Near Beaches (Narragansett Bay area): During summer weekends, Warwick's coastline is popular with tourists and locals, making the beaches and surrounding areas areas where sobriety checkpoints may be set up to prevent impaired driving.

It's not just alcohol that gets people arrested either. Officers are trained to detect all kinds of impairment, whether it be from prescription drugs, illegal substances, or alcohol. Warwick sees hundreds of DUI-related arrests annually. The WPD takes pride in its high success rate in apprehending impaired drivers. However,  this overly zealous approach leads to many unnecessary arrests and charges. 

The Consequences of Getting Caught

If you're caught driving under the influence in Warwick, the consequences are serious. Here's what you could face:

  • License Suspension: Your driver's license could be suspended for up to one year or more, depending on the number of prior offenses.

  • Fines and Fees: DUI offenders often face hefty fines, mandatory DUI education courses, and sometimes installation of an ignition interlock device.

  • Jail Time: While first-time offenders may face shorter sentences, repeat offenders can face significant jail time.

  • Increased Insurance Rates: After a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates are likely to skyrocket, making it more expensive to own a vehicle.The Warwick police are very aggressive in charging DUI cases. You need a lawyer who will be aggressive in defending you. Call Warwick DUI lawyer Michael Zarrella now and start defending yourself from a DUI conviction.

Just because you have been arrested for a Warwick DUI does not mean you will be convicted of one.

In Rhode Island, a DUI charge is a serious criminal offense with long-term consequences. However, all is not lost simply because the Warwick police have charged you with a DUI. You need immediate action by an accomplished and trial dependable DUI lawyer. A staunch DUI lawyer often can successfully resolve your case and protect you from the long term consequences of a DUI conviction.

The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella understand that the majority of drunk driving clients have never been arrested before leaving them feeling lost and helpless. That is why attorney Michael J. Zarrella will work with you during these difficult times, and help you in your effort to get your DUI charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. 

DUI Defense Strategies

If you've been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), it's crucial to understand that there are numerous defenses that can be used to challenge the charges. A good defense strategy depends on the specifics of your case, including how the arrest was made, the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results, and whether the police followed proper procedure. Here are some common defenses used in DUI cases:

  • The officer must have observed a traffic violation or have some reason to suspect that you were under the influence. If the stop was random or based on an improper reason (such as racial profiling or a mistake), evidence collected during the stop may be inadmissible in court.

  • Medical conditions (e.g., inner ear problems, leg injuries)

  • Poor weather conditions (e.g., rain or slippery roads)

  • Improperly administered tests (e.g., not following proper protocol

  • Calibration Issues: Breathalyzers need to be calibrated regularly. If they are not properly calibrated, the results can be inaccurate.

  • Administering the Test: Breathalyzers should be administered after a certain amount of time has passed since the last drink to avoid false readings.

  • Health Factors: Certain health conditions (like acid reflux or GERD) can lead to falsely high BAC readings, as the alcohol could be lingering in your mouth or throat rather than your bloodstream.

  • Rising BAC reading(at the time of the traffic stop, and it was below the legal limit when you were actually driving),

  • Diabetes: Can lead to a fruity odor on your breath, similar to alcohol.

  • Fatigue or Stress: Can cause you to fail certain field sobriety tests.

  • Prescription Medications: Can cause impaired driving even if you are under the legal limit of alcohol.

  • Police errors:The police failed to  follow certain protocols when making an arrest.

In Rhode Island, refusing to take a breath or blood test after being arrested for DUI will result in penalties. However, in certain cases, you can challenge the legality of this refusal. A top example is if the officer did not inform you of the consequences of refusing a test, you may have grounds for a defense. There are also other defenses available in refusal cases.  

Other defenses Attorney Zarrella will use is what the officer perceives as impaired driving may be due to other factors, such as:

  • Distracted driving (e.g., using a phone, or GPS)

  • Avoiding potholes or obstacles on the road or

  • Avoiding animals such as deer or squirrels for example

  • Driving too cautiously or erratically out of nervousness due to weather conditions and heavy traffic

There are many ways to defend yourself against a DUI charge. Attorney Michael Zarrella knows all the defenses and will work. tirelessly to get you the best results. 

Remember, just because you've been charged with a DUI doesn't mean you are automatically guilty. With the right defense, you may be able to reduce or dismiss the charges entirely

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Rhode Island DUI Defense Lawyer

Michael Zarrella is one of Rhode Island's top DUI attorneys. If you have been charged with a DUI or any criminal matter, contact him today.

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