Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management Police arrested the 27-year-old man responsible for the death of two women, and promptly delivered him to court.

The man was pressed with six criminal charges, five of which are felonies, surrounding a May 16 crash into Despair Island in the early morning that left two Massachusetts women dead. The Newport Superior Court set his court date for June 26. His charges include operation so as to endanger, reckless boating, refusing to submit to a chemical test, and two counts of operating a watercraft under the influence. With multiple counts resulting in death, the prison sentences that are associated with these counts are heightened to their maximum range.

The Rhode Island Attorney General used the case to highlight the differences between DWI and BWI charges, and the necessity for stricter maximum punishments for BWI charges.

If you or someone you know is facing a charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a knowledgeable attorney that is able to provide you with a working understanding of your case may be your best defense. Contact James Powderley, the Rhode Island DUI defense attorney, by calling 401-662-9006 today to discuss your case.