Why does my driving record say 1st offense DUI when the charge was amended?:
I recently had to go to court to fight a DUI. After going through the lengthy process, finally the charge was amended and I accepted the deal the state of RI had to offer, which was a reckless driving filing for one year amongst a couple other things, but no loss of license.
I went online to pay the court fees and through the RI court website it states that I pleaded nolo contendere to the DUI, but has nothing written about reckless driving. I have all my documents from my lawyer stating what the filing was (reckless driving), and the letter basically summed up what we discussed in court and what the judge had said about amending the charge.
My question is, why is this not reflecting on my driving record? When my insurance goes to pull my record, this is what they are going to see and it is aggravating because it wasn't a DUI, it was reckless driving. I need advice on what to do and how to get this fixed because I called my lawyer and he just said that "official documents show the amendment".. but I need more than just that answer.
Matthew’s answer: Most likely, the Clerk who entered the disposition of the case into the Court Computer System entered the information wrong. It happens quite frequently and it can generally be an easy fix. The fastest way to resolve the issue to to go to the Court where the case was heard and go to the Clerk's office. Let them know that the information has been entered into the system incorrectly and ask them to pull your file and make the necessary changes. Good luck
RIGL 3-8-10 charge Will I definetly lose my license? I have a new job as an apprentice. And I just graduated from college. : I had a bottle with me trying to impress a girl, and it was stupid, and I was wrong. Should I say guilty or plea mercy of the court?
Matthew’s answer:
You should definitely speak with an attorney to represent you in Court. In Rhode Island, possession of alcohol by a minor under RIGL 3-8-10 carries what most Judge's interpret to be a "mandatory" license suspension if you admit to the charge or are convicted.
With the assistance of an experienced attorney, you may be able to avoid these mandatory penalties.
I recently just received a $500 fine for passing a stopped school bus, the bus monitor let me pass!: The problem with this one is this: the bus monitor gave me permission to pass through. The bus monitor saw that i was blocking off an intersection. The bus was just beginning to stop when I was already in the middle of the intersection when I was taking a left into the street the bus was coming out of. Is there a way that I can get out of this? Or at least get the fine reduced, I have witness with me who saw the bus monitor let me pass. The video however just barely shows the bus monitor. What should I do?
Matthew’s answer: This is a frequent problem in Rhode Island. Unfortunately, the ticket is typically based upon video that is taken from the bus and viewed independent of any information provided by anyone on the bus. The video obviously does not capture the bus monitor waiving you by. My suggestion would be to explain the incident to the Judge at your court hearing date, and if he does not believe you to request a trial and seek the advice of an experienced Rhode Island Traffic Ticket Attorney.