01-04-2025
DUI charge dropped against R.I. lawmaker after he admits to refusing chemical test
Sanchez did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday.
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The 28-year-old Democratic lawmaker was
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According to officials, officers noticed a 'strong odor of alcohol' coming from Sanchez, who allegedly had 'bloodshot watery eyes' and 'seemed confused.'
Body camera footage
Sanchez declined to take a field sobriety test and later refused a breathalyzer test, but while he was in custody, he told officers he did drink, a police report claims.
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He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
In February, a judge ordered Sanchez's license to be preliminarily suspended, but also granted him a 'conditional hardship license' allowing him to drive between home and work
According to court records, Traffic Tribunal Magistrate Mark P. Welch on Friday ordered Sanchez's license to be suspended for 30 days, retroactive to Feb. 19. He also ordered Sanchez to receive alcohol treatment, complete 10 hours of community service, and pay a $200 fine as well as a $500 highway safety assessment, and a Department of Health assessment of $200.
Sanchez must also keep the breathalyzer interlock installed in his vehicle for six months, the order states.
Elected in 2022, Sanchez has previously said
'I love my work and the work I do to help better the lives of all the people of this state,' Sanchez said in a
Material from previous Globe stories was used in this report.
Christopher Gavin can be reached at
