Drunken driver gets six months for disabling cop

A drunken driver who disabled an off-duty cop in a crash was sentenced Monday to six months behind bars.
Charles Lin pleaded guilty last month to misdemeanor DWI and second-degree vehicular assault charges for the crash that severely disabled Brian Rickli, an NYPD officer. Lin admitted to drinking 10 beers before slamming his Nissan Altima into Rickli's motorcycle on his commute home.
Judge William Kelly said Rickli's injuries and Lin's exemplary record both needed to be taken into account during sentencing. Lin had no previous offenses prior to the incident and has completed 400 hours of community service in the months since the crash.
"I think that he searched for a fair and equitable balance between his past, his past history as well as everything he had done to me, my husband and my family," said Rickli's wife Amy.
The sentence will be followed by five years of probation and the revocation of Lin's license.
Select iO Extra on Channel 612 for more on Lin's sentencing.
Related information: Cops: Drunk driver critically injures NYPD officer