Arrested for DUI in Rhode Island? Get a Real Defense, Not a Case Number.

Rhode Island DUI Lawyer

Ryan J. Holt, Esq. provides personal, direct representation for DUI and license refusal matters in Providence, Bristol, and Kent Counties.

Call or text (401) 965-5001

~200

refusal & license cases handled this year

Direct

RI Traffic Tribunal (RITT) hearing experience

Why Ryan

Prior to entering private practice, Ryan J. Holt served as a Special Assistant Attorney General and Director of Legislative Affairs for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General – giving him direct, inside experience with how the state builds and prosecutes cases like yours.

Ryan has personally handled nearly 200 refusal and license-related matters just this year, including refusal hearings before the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal (RITT). When you hire Ryan, you work directly with him — not a paralegal or rotating associate – from your first call through resolution.

He’s available day or night. A DUI arrest doesn’t happen on a schedule, and neither does Ryan.

The DUI Process in Rhode Island

A DUI arrest in Rhode Island starts two separate, overlapping cases:

The criminal case, which begins with an arraignment in District Court: a short first appearance where you’re formally advised of the charge, enter a not-guilty plea, and the judge sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.

A civil license suspension case, handled separately by the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.

Missing a deadline in either track can put your license at risk before the criminal case is ever resolved – which is why it matters to have one attorney managing both from day one.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-27-2, 31-27-2.1; RI Judiciary/Traffic Tribunal

Rhode Island Communities We Serve

Ryan represents clients facing DUI and license refusal charges throughout Providence and Kent Counties and beyond, including:

Providence

Coventry

West Warwick

Warwick

Bristol

North Providence

Cranston

East Greenwich

Pawtucket

Barrington

Woonsocket

Warren

Johnston

East Providence

Dedicated Defense

Not every DUI case gets the same level of scrutiny. When one attorney is fully focused on your matter, there’s time to review the stop, challenge the testing procedure, and build a defense specific to your situation — not just move the case along.

It also means less uncertainty for you. Ryan will walk you through each step, explain your options in plain terms, and work toward the outcome that disrupts your life the least.

A DUI is stressful enough without wondering if anyone’s actually looking at your case.

FAQs

Yes, significantly. A first offense in Rhode Island can carry up to 12 months in jail, hundreds of dollars in fines, mandatory alcohol/drug education, and a license suspension up to 12 months – with harsher fines and a longer suspension if your BAC is 0.15% or above. A second offense within five years is a misdemeanor with mandatory jail time (10 days to 12 months), a $400 fine, and a 1-2 year suspension (minimum 6 months jail and a $1,000 fine if your BAC is 0.15% or above). A third offense within five years is a felony: 1 to 3 years in jail, a $400 fine, and a 2-3 year suspension – rising to 3-5 years in jail and a minimum $1,000 fine at 0.15% BAC or above. Where your case falls changes the strategy significantly, which is exactly why you want someone reviewing it early.

Refusing a chemical test is handled as a separate civil matter before the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal – not a criminal charge, and it won’t appear on a criminal background check. It still carries real consequences: a fine and a license suspension that on a first refusal typically runs 6 months to 1 year, plus community service and either DUI school or substance abuse treatment. You’ll still separately have to answer the underlying DUI charge in District Court. Ryan has represented clients specifically in refusal matters before the RITT.

Possibly – but even a suspension doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck without a way to get to work. Rhode Island courts can grant a hardship license, letting you drive for essential things like work, alcohol/drug treatment, or classes during your suspension, typically conditioned on installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Not everyone qualifies, and the exact terms depend on your BAC, whether you refused testing, and whether this is a first offense or a repeat. Ryan can review your case and tell you honestly whether a hardship license is realistic for your situation.

Yes – Ryan offers a free consultation to review your case and explain your options, and he’s available to talk day or night given how urgent these situations often are.

Ryan represents clients in Providence, Bristol, and Kent Counties (Rhode Island’s 3rd and 6th District Court divisions).

A DUI charge moves fast – don’t wait to get the right person in your corner.

Call or text (401) 965-5001 any time, day or night, or fill out the form below for a free consultation.

This website is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Penalty ranges described on this page reflect Rhode Island law as of 2026 and are provided for general informational purposes only – they do not constitute legal advice and may not reflect the most current statutory amendments. Contacting The Holt Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources used: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-27-2 and 31-27-2.1; Rhode Island Judiciary / Traffic Tribunal.