ATV, Snowmobile + Boating DUI (BUI/BWI) Attorneys in Minnesota
DWI Using a Recreational Vehicle? Get a free case evaluationIssues That Arise With Recreational Vehicle and Boating DUI/DWI Charges
The issues that arise with prosecuting an ATV or boating DUI/DWI are again similar to those you would see if you were driving a vehicle on the road. Primarily, it can be difficult for officers to follow standard operating procedure when conducting a blood alcohol content test, which may make the information inadmissible in court. There are many steps to be followed during a DUI/DWI arrest, and sometimes at least one step is missed by the arresting officer.
The BAC tests have also been known to be inaccurate, which leads to many people being unfairly arrested for these crimes. The most common type of test is the breath test, which can be skewed by lingering alcohol on the breath and may measure a higher BAC than is accurate for the individual. If it can be proven that a test was incorrectly administered or that its results are invalid, the test will not be admissible in court.
ATV, Snowmobile + Boating While Intoxicated in MN
When it comes to your blood alcohol level, the law in Minnesota does not distinguish between the different vehicles you may be driving. You may have been charged with boating under the influence (BUI/BWI) or a recreational vehicle DUI if your blood alcohol content was determined to be greater than .08 at the time. The consequences of these DUIs/DWIs are also similar to those of driving a car under the influence – for first time offenders, punishments may include up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000. If there are aggravating factors, the punishment may be even more severe. These factors include:
- A blood alcohol content of .16 or higher
- A prior DUI/DWI conviction in the last ten years
- A passenger under age 16 being present at the time of the offense
With the combination of several aggravated factors, your charges may escalate all the way up to a felony DUI/DWI. This can mean a fine of up to $14,000 and up to seven years in jail! Clearly, any DUI or DWI should be taken seriously – even if you received the charge during a leisurely weekend on the water or the trails. Remember that these charges will be relevant if you have a DUI or DWI in the future, even if you are driving a different type of vehicle at that time.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
We are here to help. Let us evaluate your case for you. Free of charge – no obligation. Complete our free case evaluation form or call us directly at (651) 323-2464.
Recent Blog Posts
Changes to Minnesota’s DWI Forfeiture Laws: How They Affect Defendants
Recent changes to Minnesota’s property seizure laws aim to make it easier for defendants who are found not guilty to regain possession of property seized at the time of their arrest or during a lawful search. Property seizure is common in several types of criminal...
Reasonable Suspicion for a DWI Charge: Is Swerving Enough?
Here’s a situation our Minnesota DWI lawyers frequently encounter: a driver is stopped on suspicion of DWI. When they ask the law enforcement officer why they were pulled over, they learn that they have been accused of swerving while driving. If they are subsequently...
How Long Does A DWI Stay On Your Record in Minnesota?
A DWI conviction can make life very difficult. It may affect your ability to get a new job, rent a house or apartment, or travel to countries with strict DWI laws. Understandably, many people who have been convicted of a DWI wonder how long they’ll have to deal with...
Is Hungover Driving Illegal in Minnesota?
If you’re on the mend from a big night out drinking, you may be experiencing the unpleasant effects of a hangover: headache, fatigue, nausea, and general unease. We usually assume that a hangover means we’ve slept off the alcohol and we’re ready to start our day. But...
Minnesota’s Implied Consent Laws: Refusing DWI Chemical Testing
Implied consent means that when a driver chooses to get behind the wheel, they are consenting to a sobriety test. Minnesota’s implied consent laws are meant to encourage drivers to comply with testing, and they impose penalties on any driver who refuses to take a...
Minnesota’s Zero Tolerance for Teens Drinking and Driving
DWIs are one of the most common criminal charges in Minnesota. Some estimates show that one out of every seven drivers in Minnesota has a DWI on their record. Since prosecutors see this charge often, it can be difficult to avoid a DWI conviction without compelling...
Free Case Evaluation
Contact Info
Note: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.