Listeners Club

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

banner

Lawyer sees double jeopardy in dentist's prosecution

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) The lawyer for an Enfield dentist says his client will challenge criminal prosecution related to the death of a patient.

The Journal Inquirer reports that attorney Hubert Santos cited in Hartford Superior Court Tuesday ``a substantial double jeopardy'' claim because his client, Rashmi Patel, had faced proceedings before the state Dental Commission. The panel suspended his license pending a review.

Authorities say Patel's patient, 64-year-old Judith Gan, died last February after her oxygen levels dropped while under sedation when she had 20 teeth pulled and implants installed.

Patel was charged with a misdemeanor count of criminally negligent homicide and a felony count of tampering with evidence.

Santos says court decisions are split on whether a regulatory proceeding can bar criminal prosecution as a violation of protections against double jeopardy.

On Air Now

Armstrong & Getty

Local Headlines