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.