Rhode Island Democrat Lawmaker Ordered to Install Breathalyzer After DUI Arrest

Rhode Island state lawmaker Enrique Sanchez, a progressive Democrat, has been ordered to install a breathalyzer in his vehicle following a February DUI arrest. The decision came from a Cranston judge as a condition for Sanchez to maintain limited driving privileges.

The incident unfolded on the early morning of February 3 when Sanchez was pulled over after allegedly parking his car in an intersection. Bodycam footage from the arrest reveals a series of questionable decisions, including Sanchez offering a red debit card instead of his driver's license and insisting he hadn’t been drinking—despite clear signs to the contrary.

Officers at the scene reportedly asked Sanchez how much he had to drink, noting the strong smell of alcohol. When asked to take a field sobriety test, Sanchez declined and inquired whether he could call an Uber instead. Spoiler alert: the officers said no, and he refused the test.

In his initial court appearance, Sanchez pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and later to lesser civil offenses, including refusing a chemical test and failing to obey traffic signs. On February 19, his license was suspended, but a hardship license was granted, allowing him to drive for work-related purposes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., provided he installs an ignition interlock breathalyzer. A follow-up pre-trial conference on February 24 moved the case to the state's Superior Court.

The arrest has prompted calls for Sanchez’s resignation. A week after the incident, Sanchez broke his silence in a social media thread, thanking his constituents for their patience. However, he stopped short of offering an apology and instead stated he wouldn’t let his personal actions overshadow the issues affecting his community. He called the experience a moment of "renewed clarity" about his responsibilities.

It’s worth noting that Sanchez has been an active proponent of progressive causes. In 2023, he introduced a bill to grant voting rights to illegal immigrants in Rhode Island—a proposal that faced opposition and was tabled for further study.

Sanchez's attorney, John Harwood, a former Rhode Island House Speaker, has yet to comment publicly on the case. Meanwhile, questions about Sanchez’s political future remain as the legal process unfolds.