A New Mexico man will serve six years in prison for driving drunk and killing 59-year-old Robert Rowland of Santa Clara as he rode his motorcycle on Highway 180 in Arenas Valley on May 29.

James Dickson, 37, had been charged with two previous DUIs, one in 2007 and one in 2009. Because of his prior DUIs, Dickson received an additional four years, which will be suspended on condition of supervised probation.

Fifteen members of Rowland’s family attended the hearing, with Rowland’s wife, two of his daughters, a niece and the mother of one of his grandchildren speaking to the court at the hearing.

Serena White, 32, one of Rowland’s daughters, said in an interview following the hearing, “It’s been a very difficult time for us. We’re pretty satisfied with the sentencing today and it’s brought some closure to some of us.”

“We still feel like the state is far too lenient with those who are breaking the law,” White said. “We found that it’s pretty typical that repeat offenders are slapped on the wrists and it’s not taken seriously until they kill somebody and sometimes not even then.”

Deadly motorcycle accidents caused by drunken motorists are common. Are you the victim of a motorcycle accident that involved alcohol? Our Denver injury attorneys can help you determine the best legal options to get your life back on track.

Metier Law Firm – Denver injury attorneys