Summer is now in full swing, and for many Minnesotans, that means it’s time to relax and cool off on our state’s waterways. Having too much fun on the lake or river can get you into trouble, however, if you’re driving a boat or a Jet Ski and alcohol is involved.
In Minnesota, being convicted of boating while intoxicated can result in serious penalties — ones that are very similar to the penalties resulting from a DWI conviction. Like a first-time DWI, a first-time BWI can lead to fines of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to 90 days. Given these possible consequences, you need a skilled BWI defense lawyer if you are accused of operating a boat while intoxicated.
A BWI conviction can not only result in the loss of your right to drive a boat; your driver’s license may also be at risk. As you probably know, losing your driver’s license can greatly limit your ability to handle day-to-day tasks such as going to work, picking up the kids, and going to the grocery store. It is therefore crucial to explore your legal options for fighting a BWI charge that could result in the loss of your driver’s license.
As with DWI, penalties for BWI increase with every subsequent offense, and the possible penalties become even more severe if a boating accident involving alcohol resulted in injury to someone else.
Make no mistake: there is a lot to lose in a BWI case, so it is in your best interests to mount the strongest possible defense. To learn more, please see Sheridan & Dulas’ section on boating while intoxicated. Our attorneys know how to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case.
