There was a terrible motorcycle crash in Salt Lake City Utah on June 10, 2007 that resulted in the death of a young woman and injuries to other motorcycle riders.  Brian Martinez pleaded guilty in 3rd District Court to three class C misdemeanor traffic violations including speeding, changing lanes without signaling and improper usage of lanes. Each of the violations is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, but Judge Vernice Trease suspended all jail time, placed Martinez on probation for six months, fined him $300 and ordered him to complete 20 hours of community service. 

The defense attorney for Mr. Martinez stated that "a terrible accident with terrible consequences" happened but there was "no criminal negligence."  This statement may or may not be true but what is a fact is that Mr.Martinez was fould guilty of three traffic violations that probably contributed to the death and injuries.  We do not know why the original wreckless driving charge and operating a motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement were dropped but we assume it was part of the plea deal worked out between the attorneys and cited evidentiary problems and that the dead girl's family did not want to see Martinez prosecuted.

What is not evident in this case is whether any or al o fthe motorcycle riders were properly licensed and insured or even if they owned the motorcycles they were riding.

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