01-04-2025
State prosecutors dismiss DUI charge against R.I. lawmaker
State Rep. Enrique Sanchez, shown during budget debates at the Rhode Island State House in 2024. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)
The criminal case against a state lawmaker accused of driving under the influence in Cranston early February has been dropped.
State prosecutors filed the dismissal in Providence County Superior Court Monday against Rep. Enrqiue Sanchez, a Providence Democrat, as a result of a recent guilty plea before the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal over refusing a breathalyzer test.
'As is common with first offense DUI cases, since the defendant admitted to the civil charge of refusing to submit to a chemical test at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, the state dismissed the criminal charge,' Timothy Rondeau, spokesperson for the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General, said in an emailed statement Tuesday.
The filing from the AG's office, which took over prosecutorial duties in late February, also stated the prosecutors were unable to meet its burden at trial on driving under the influence 'due to factual and legal issues.'
Sanchez, 28, was scheduled to appear in Providence County Superior Court Friday morning for a pre-trial conference, which has since been canceled.
Neither Sanchez nor his attorney, former Rhode Island House Speaker John Harwood, immediately responded to requests for comment Tuesday.
The second-term lawmaker was arrested by Cranston Police on Feb. 3 after an officer spotted him behind the wheel of a 2017 Nissan Altima stopped at a green light on Reservoir Avenue at 3 a.m. Officers noticed a 'strong odor of alcohol' coming from Sanchez, who allegedly had 'bloodshot watery eyes,' according to his arrest report.
Sanchez declined to take a field sobriety test and later refused a breathalyzer test. He 'admitted that he did drink,' according to his arrest report. He was arraigned in Kent County District Court and released on $1,000 personal recognizance.
He was charged in traffic court with civil citations of refusing a chemical test and failure to obey traffic control devices, to which he initially pleaded not guilty. Sanchez's driver's license was temporarily suspended by the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, but he was allowed to travel to and from work under a conditional hardship license.
Sanchez changed his plea March 28, and a judge ordered him to receive alcohol treatment and complete 10 hours of community service. The lawmaker must also use an Ignition Interlock System, a breathalyzer needed to start his car, for six months.
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