Automatic charge, not automatic conviction. A lot information will be gathered to determine whether or not a deal will be offered to bring about a guilty plea. I'd bet this guy will not have a felony when all is said and done. It'll be something like time served, big fine and restitution, in addition to a year or so suspension of driving privileges. Translate: big money to the court, attorney's fees and the cyclist. A pain to his family and friends whenever he needs a ride (maybe he'll be forced to ride a bike

) and he might not be insurable for some time to come. Add that, he seems to have lost his job. He's got a brand new normal, from a really stupid minute in time.