Drunk Driving Case against Former Rhode Island House Minority Leader Dropped
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – A drunken driving case against former Rhode Island House Minority Leader Robert Watson has been dropped by Connecticut prosecutors.
The news was announced by his lawyer, Charles Tiernan, on Monday. According to Tiernan, a judge approved his motion to drop the charge against his client because a urine test was not administered within two hours after his operation of his vehicle as required by state law. Watson’s trial was scheduled to begin this week.
A marijuana possession charge against Watson was also dismissed by a state judge in New Haven as Watson successfully completed a drug education program.
Watson was arrested in April 2011 by East Haven police. He was also charged with marijuana possession last year by the South Kingstown, R.I., police. This charge resulted in a no contest plea.
After his arrest last year in Connecticut, Watson was ousted from his legislative leadership position. He did not seek re-election last year.
