DUI charge dismissed against Cranston Democratic chair Maria Bucci

CRANSTON, R.I. — The DUI charge against Maria Bucci, chair of the Cranston Democratic Committee and a former mayoral candidate, has been dismissed, according to court records.

Prosecutors dropped the misdemeanor charge Tuesday, a day after Bucci pleaded not guilty in court. The dismissal followed a separate guilty plea in Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal to refusing a chemical test.

Bucci was arrested December 18 after a traffic stop in East Greenwich. In police body-camera footage later released, Bucci is heard repeatedly invoking her political connections during field sobriety tests, including telling officers to “call the attorney general and everybody else in town,” while arguing over the testing process.

The arrest video circulated widely online and drew national media attention.

Despite the dismissal of the DUI charge, court records show Bucci’s license will be suspended for 30 days. She was also ordered to complete 20 hours of community service, install an ignition interlock device, and enroll in an alcohol education program.

Bucci previously served as a Cranston city councilor and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2020 and for Rhode Island House District 15 in 2024, losing by only 22 votes.