Minnesota DWI laws do not only apply to highways and roads. You could also be looking at a DWI charge if you are caught any recreational vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher (or any alcohol if under the age of 21).

Judith Samson, also represents those looking at the following accusations:

• BWI – boating while intoxicated
• SWI – snowmobiling while intoxicated
• AWI – ATVing while intoxicated

Arrested for BWI?

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and operating a boat, a snowmobile or an ATV is still considered very dangerous and irresponsible, even though you are not on a marked highway. It is also against the law. Implied consent laws apply to your boating license as well as any recreational licenses you may own which means you have agreed to remain completely sober while operating ANY vehicle. It also means that you agree to any field sobriety, urine or breathalyzer test if suspected of a DWI.

You could be looking at the following penalties for any BWI, AWI or SWI crime:

• Up to 90 days in prison
• A $1,000 fine
• Driver’s education training

First time offenders could still be looking at serious convictions.  You will most likely looser your license and have to forfeit your boat, snowmobile or ATV for 90 days in season. What this means is that, if you have been arrested in August for BWI, your license will remain suspended through May, June and July the next year. If you are charged with AWI in December, you will most likely lose your license for the rest of the winter season and the start of the next season as well.

If you are under the age of 21 and found guilty of a BWI, AWI or SWI, you will most likely lose your license for a much longer period of time. Furthermore, if you are found guilty of a BWI, AWI or SWI with the following aggravating factors present, then you could be looking at a higher criminal conviction:

• Operating a boat/ATV/snowmobile with a blood alcohol concentration of .20 or more;
• A prior conviction for DWI or test refusal in the 10 years leading up to; or
• A passenger under age 16 on the boat/ATV/snowmobile at the time of the offense.

The same DWI laws apply if you are guilty of a BWI, AWI or SWI

This means if you are found operating ANY vehicle with one or more aggravating factors present, then you could be looking at a gross misdemeanor conviction, a $3,000 fine, mandatory minimum jail time, the requirement to submit to a chemical use assessment, long-term monitoring program, loss of motor vehicle driver’s license privileges and motor vehicle plate impoundment and forfeiture of the vehicle

Call Judith Samson Today At 612-333-8001

With the right Minneapolis BWI lawyer, you may be able to avoid a BWI, AWI or SWI conviction, keep your license and walk away with a clean slate. It all depends on your situation, your representation and what county court you are facing.

For fast, effective and aggressive legal representation, contact experienced Minneapolis traffic defense attorney Judith Samson 24/7 at 612-333-8001.