Prosecutors receive ex-minister Uzulniek’s drunk-driving case

Latvia’s prosecutor’s office has received the criminal case against former Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks for prosecution, LSM reported, citing the LETA news agency. The office confirmed receiving the case to LETA but declined to provide further comment.

Under the law, prosecutors will soon decide whether to bring charges. Once charges are presented, they can impose a penalty themselves, reach an agreement with the accused on an admission of guilt and punishment for court approval, or send the case to court for a full hearing.

Amendments to Latvia’s Criminal Law that took effect in November 2022 introduced criminal liability for driving or teaching someone to drive when the alcohol concentration in breath or blood exceeds 1.5 parts per thousand.

The law also provides for vehicle confiscation when its owner drives while heavily intoxicated or refuses a test for intoxicating substances. If the vehicle belongs to someone else, the guilty person can be ordered to pay all or part of its value. Latvia usually transfers confiscated vehicles to Ukraine’s defenders.

The offence carries a sentence of up to one year in prison, probation supervision and the loss of driving rights for up to five years.

Police stopped Uzulnieks at the wheel in Ropaži municipality on September 12. More than three parts per thousand of alcohol was detected in his breath.