Maryland Man Arrested for DUI in ATV Crash

Most DUI charges occur when someone is driving a passenger vehicle or motorcycle while intoxicated. A DUI can also occur when a person is driving an off-road vehicle, such as an ATV.

This was the case for a Maryland man who crashed his ATV and injured his two passengers. The accident occurred on the evening of June 22 in St. Leonard, located in Calvert County. Three men were riding on a Yamaha Bruin four-wheeled ATV on Ben Creek Road when the driver, a 24-year-old man from Upper Marlboro, crashed while going around a curve.

The ATV went off the road and went down an embankment. The two passengers were ejected from the ATV. A 22-year-old man riding in the rear cargo area suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment. The 20-year-old man riding in the front suffered serious injuries. He suffered head trauma and was unconscious. He was taken to Baltimore Shock Trauma in critical condition.

The driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was arrested and charged with DUI. Besides alcohol, speed and inappropriate use of the ATV contributed to the crash.

Can You Get a DUI While Off-Roading?

Almost all states make it illegal to drive an ATV or other off-road vehicle while intoxicated. In some states, police can arrest you even if you are driving on your own property or other private roads. This has happened in Maryland on several occasions.

In one incident, in 1994, a man was riding an ATV on his property. He fell off and broke his arm. He called police for help, but that was a mistake. The man smelled of alcohol and was arrested. He was charged with DUI. The man fought the case, but the Court of Appeals upheld the conviction.

The type of vehicle you are driving does not matter. If it has wheels and you are riding it while intoxicated, you could be charged with a DUI offense. Therefore, if you are riding a bicycle, a motorcycle, a scooter, a moped, a skateboard or even a hoverboard, you could be cited if you are under the influence.

Therefore, you should avoid operating any vehicle while intoxicated, even if you are on your own property. In some cases, the police officer’s right to be on your property can be challenged, so hire a skilled DUI lawyer to fight your case. You could face serious penalties, so be sure to fight for your rights.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

You can be charged with DUI for riding any type of motor vehicle, even an off-road vehicle like an ATV. When injuries are involved, the charges can be especially serious.

A DUI charge can impact your life in many ways. Don’t fight it on your own. Get help from a Columbia DUI & traffic offenses lawyer at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. We can aggressively represent you and help you achieve a favorable outcome. Schedule a free consultation by calling (410) 774-5987 or filling out the online form.

Resource:

nbcwashington.com/news/local/Man-Charged-With-DUI-in-ATV-Crash-That-Seriously-Injured-Victim-513329411.html

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/can-i-refuse-a-field-sobriety-test/