Man Rides Motorcycle Into Court To Contest DUI Charges

Our Chicago Lawyers have used a lot of DUI Defense strategies in the past, but we’ve never tried something like this.

Marengo man rides motorcycle in McHenry County courtroom to contest DUI charge

Judge not impressed, suspends defendant’s license

Everyone laughed, says Carl Ahrens, when the Marengo man drove his battery-powered miniature motorcycle in a McHenry County courtroom this week.

The display was supposed to persuade a judge to throw out his DUI ticket for operating the Razor MX500 with a blood-alcohol level of 0.18.

“The judge laughed and even said, ‘My turn,’ ” Ahrens said. “I thought I had him on my side.”

The laughter faded quickly, though, when Judge Thomas Meyers suspended Ahrens’ license for 6 months on the DUI charge.

Ahrens, 36, was ticketed in August for allegedly driving the 60-pound, toy motorcycle in a vacant lot across the street from his home after drinking beer. Ahrens said he was sitting on the bike with his 18-month-old son when a squad car pulled up.

In addition to the DUI citation, the Marengo officer also ticketed Ahrens for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving an unregistered motor vehicle and endangering the health of a child, a misdemeanor.

Ahrens’ attorney argued in court that the MX500 travels only 4 mph and cannot be insured or registered as a motor vehicle. Multiple Web sites that sell the MX500 claim it tops out at 12 to 17 mph. “The city is treating this seriously, just like any other DUI, especially since he was riding around with his child on it,” said prosecutor Jennifer Gibson.

Ahrens remains mystified.

“I couldn’t drive this toy to work. It’s not roadworthy,” Ahrens said. “So I’m scratching my head on this one.”

The Law Offices of James E. Fabbrini have years of experience protecting people charged with drunk driving. From first time offenders to felonies, our Chicago DUI lawyers have successfully fought DUI charges in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Protect your freedom, avoid trouble, and save yourself money. Contact our office today. All consultations are absolutely free. Call us at (312) 494-3131 or e-mail us your questions at [email protected]