Minneapolis BWI, SWI, AWI Lawyer
DWI and DUI laws don’t just apply to motor vehicles, but they apply to anyone who is driving any kind of vehicle on Minnesota’s roadways and even waterways. A person does not have to be on a street in order to be charged with DWI. Boating while intoxicated (BWI), snowmobiling while intoxicated (SWI), and ATVing while intoxicated (AWI) are all serious offenses because of the dangers not being limited to an automobile.
If you have been charged with BWI, SWI, or AWI, it is important to secure the representation of a highly experienced and skilled Golden Valley criminal defense attorney who knows the law and how to get the best results for you. Although you may not have been arrested for driving an automobile while intoxicated, that does not reduce the severity of the charges.
Aggressive Criminal Defense
Because Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there are many recreational opportunities that individuals from all around the country take advantage of. Many times, these activities involve alcohol. If operating the vehicles while intoxicated, criminal charges can result. Even if caught with a couple of beers, the situation can be a bad one. You could be looking at license revocation, a $1,000 fine, 90 days in jail, and a number of other consequences. If you are arrested for BWI, you may not be able to operate your boat again for three months starting the next summer season.
These are arrests that can happen to anyone, including individuals under the age of 21. However, underage drinking falls under the “Not a Drop Law.” This means that a person under the age of 21 is to not operate any vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system or they can face serious consequences.
Regardless of age, there may be aggravating factors present that enhance the charge. Those aggravating factors include:
- Operating a Boat, ATV, or snowmobile with a blood alcohol content of .20 or above
- A prior DWI conviction or driver’s license revocation for refusing to take a blood or urine test
- A passenger under the age of 16 is on the vehicle with you at the time of the offense
Fighting For Your Rights
Even if you feel that there is merit to the charges against you or that there is no way you are going to be able to obtain a better outcome, the truth is that a better outcome is possible with the help of a Hennepin County DWI attorney. Your attorney will fight for your rights and your freedom by investigating every aspect of the case so that any discrepancies or errors can be brought to light. Showing that something went wrong during the process may result in reduced charges, dismissed charges, or even acquittal.
Contact A Minneapolis DWI Lawyer
BWI, SWI, and AWI are serious offenses because operating any kind of vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in the serious injury of innocent people. Many are put at risk when a person is intoxicated in any way and operating a vehicle. If you have been charged with BWI, SWI, or AWI, it is important for you to defend yourself with the help of a criminal defense attorney. To learn more about your rights and options, contact the Barry Hogen Law at (612) 338-5545 to schedule an initial consultation.
