Evidence

Defendant appealed the decision of a Trial Judge at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal sustaining a violation of R.I. Gen. Laws 1956 § 31-13-4 (Obedience to Devices). Defendant was stopped on Route 95 after a Rhode Island State Trooper observed Defendant driving in the left two lanes of the highway, in violation of posted signs that prohibit trucks, campers, and buses from traveling in the left two travel lanes. Defendant argued that he had only passed one of the signs when he was being pulled over by the State Trooper and that the Trial Judge made his decision “upon unlawful procedure” by allowing testimony from the State Trooper regarding Defendant’s truthfulness. The Appeals Panel found no indication that the Trial Judge’s decision relied upon improper character testimony concerning Defendant, thus requiring the denial of Defendant’s appeal and sustainment of the charged violation.

State of Rhode Island v. Donald Sholes, No. T17-0002 (April 12, 2018).pdf