PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A drunken-driving charge against a Woonsocket police officer was dismissed Monday, because the police deprived him of his right to an independent medical examination, the officer's lawyer said.

Attorney Matthew T. Marin argued in a District Court hearing that Woonsocket police officer Steven Fairley couldn't get the examination because the police delayed bringing charges against him for one week after the Feb. 25 incident in Woonsocket.

An independent medical examination is a right in every Rhode Island DUI case, Marin said.

"The denial of the right to an independent medical examination in this case deprived my client of the ability to defend himself against this charge and therefore dismissal of the charge is the only fair and just resolution to this case."