Case Against R.I. Lawmaker Dropped
R.I. State Rep. Robert Watson was charged in East Haven.
Tuesday, Jan 29, 2013 | Updated 3:43 PM EDT
R.I. State Rep. Robert Watson will go to trial.
Connecticut prosecutors have dropped a drunken driving case against former Rhode Island House Minority Leader Robert Watson.
Watson's trial was scheduled to begin this week, but his lawyer, Charles Tiernan, said Monday that a judge approved his motion to drop the charge because a urine test was not administered within two hours after his operation of his vehicle as required by state law.
A state judge in New Haven also dismissed a marijuana possession charge against Watson because he completed a drug education program.
East Haven police arrested Watson in April 2011. South Kingstown, Rhode Island police also charged Watson with marijuana possession last year, resulting in a no contest plea.
Watson was ousted from his legislative leadership position after his arrest in Connecticut and didn't seek re-election last year.
