Minnesota BWI Attorney & Lawyer

BWI, or Boating While Intoxicated, is just as serious as driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated. With Minnesota being the “State of 10,000 Lakes,” the lakes are very heavily patrolled due to the amount of boating recreation that takes place in the state. Due to the fact that there are so many lakes in Minnesota, there are many individuals charged with BWI. They may feel that they are lounging on the lake with a relaxing drink in hand, but if too much is consumed and the legal alcohol limit exceeded, a person can be arrested.

First Time Offense

For those who are charged with BWI for the first time, a conviction can lead to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. It can also result in a loss of boating privileges during boating season for a period of 90 days once convicted and notification by the Department of Natural Resources has been received.

Aggravating Factors

And just like in DWI, BWI has aggravating factors that can make the penalty more serious. If any of the following aggravating factors are present, a tougher penalty may be imposed:

• Prior DWI or BWI offense or refusal to take a field sobriety test within the past 10 years.

• Blood alcohol content over .20

• A minor under the age of 16 in the boat at the time of the offense.

License Revocation

In the case of an individual who has committed their first offense, they are only subject to losing their boating privileges for their boat during the suspension period. A person who has a qualified prior conviction within the last 10 years for BWI may have to face the same penalties as a person who has been convicted of DWI when driving a motor vehicle. This can include jail time, fines, and administrative penalties that include forfeiture of the boat, fines for alcohol electronic monitoring, and much more.

In many instances, driving a boat while intoxicated can be more dangerous than driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Because a boat is not as steady as a car when a car is on the road, balance can be thrown off much more when driving a boat than when driving a car. As a matter of fact, out of all of the boating deaths in which alcohol was a factor, over 50% of them capsized their boats and fell into the water.

Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation

If you or someone you know has been arrested with a BWI charge, it is important to speak to a skilled BWI defense lawyer who can handle your situation with the utmost experience and dedication. Our BWI attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and handle all court appearances to guide you through the criminal justice system. Protect your rights. If you have questions regarding your BWI charges contact our attorneys for a free consultation at (952) 797-7464.

Our Minnesota DWI defense lawyers represent clients throughout Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Anoka County, Scott County, Washington County, Sherburne County, and beyond. We represent clients throughout the Twin Cities including Minneapolis, St Paul, Anoka, Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Burnsville, Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Champlin, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville, White Bear Lake and Woodbury.

The Interchange Tower  |  600 South Hwy 169  |  St. Louis Park, MN 55426  |  952-797-7464

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