State Supreme Court denies DUI appeal on language issue

ATLANTA - The Georgia Supreme Court has denied an appeal from a Hispanic man who argued he was denied his rights when he was arrested because he could not communicate with police. <br> <br> Omar Rodriguez was stopped for speeding and subsequently arrested December second, 2000, in DeKalb County on charges of driving under the influence. <br> <br> The court, which ruled in the case today, heard arguments in Griffin on May second. <br> <br> At the hearing, attorney Norman Cuadra said Rodriguez, who does not speak English, was unable to understand the implied consent form. <br> <br> The form explains the procedure and his rights regarding blood-alcohol testing. Cuadra said an interpreter should have been offered, noting that the law requires interpreters for hearing-impaired people in the same situation. <br> <br> Rodriguez also claimed a due process violation, since he could not be ``meaningfully&#39;&#39; advised of his rights. <br> <br> The court rejected both of those arguments.