A Rhode Island Superior Court judge dismissed charges of driving under the influence in Rhode Island against a Massachusetts man over the improper administration of field sobriety tests. Justice Melanie Thunberg found the defendant, James Scalisi, not guilty because the application of the tests deviated from outlined standards.
Scalisi was involved in a two vehicle accident July 20, 2007 where no one was injured. The investigating officer detected alcohol and thought Scalisi was slurring his words, and initiated three field sobriety tests. According to guidelines, before an officer can administer such tests, a determination must be made as to whether the subject has any medical conditions that might impact the results. The evidence entered into trial in Judge Thunberg
