The consequences you can face for driving drunk on a motorcycle are no different from those you would face had you been driving in another automobile. And just like with driving a car while intoxicated, if your drunk driving can be linked to someone’s death, you can be charged with felony DWI and spend significant time in prison.
This may be the case for a New York man who has been accused of killing two pedestrians and injuring a third. Allegedly, the man was driving his motorcycle under the influence of alcohol when he ran into the pedestrians on a bike path. He now faces seven charges in criminal court, including felony DWI, criminally negligent homicide and imprudent speed.
According to prosecutors, the man already has a felony DWI on his record as well as two misdemeanor DWIs. A judge has also revoked his license because he refused to take a DWI blood test.
Due to his prior DWIs and the nature of his current felony DWI charges, the defendant could face thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison. A single felony DWI — Class E felony — can lead to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to four years in prison as well as probation and one-year license suspension. The fines increase to up to $10,000 and seven years in prison for multiple convictions (Class D felony).
As you can see, charges for driving drunk — even on a motorcycle — are not to be taken lightly. Yet, it is possible to defend against the charges and, in some cases, even get them dismissed. An experienced DWI defense lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge DWI evidence and, when necessary, defend against your charges in court.
Source: WKBW News 7, “Suspect in deadly crash appears in court,” Rachel Elzufon, Nov. 15, 2012