Minnesota SWI Lawyers & Attorneys

Minnesota is popular for its snowmobiling in the winter because of the incredible amount of snow that this northern state sees. But just as when driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, driving a snowmobile while intoxicated is a crime. As a matter of fact, there are many individuals who are killed in snowmobile-related crashes.

When law enforcement sees an operator who appears to be impaired, they are required to administer tests to the operator to determine whether or not that individual is under the influence of alcohol. If the blood alcohol content is above .08, then there are consequences to be had. On the other hand, if you refuse to take the a test, it is also a crime, and snowmobile privileges will be suspended for a year.

Although pre-arrest sobriety tests are “voluntary,” it is still a crime to refuse the post-arrest testing. You are more or less giving permission for them to impose the penalty on you. In other words, you are exercising your freedom of choice, but you are losing another freedom when doing so. Before you refuse a test, ask to speak to your attorney and contact a qualified Minneapolis SWI defense lawyer to help you make the right decision and so that you know your rights.

Snowmobiling While Intoxicated

If you are convicted of SWI or you refuse a field sobriety test, then you will find that these items will be recorded on your license record and this can affect your privileges, but this is only so if there is a prior alcohol-related offense on your record.

If you are driving a snowmobile and you are found to be excessively intoxicated, then you can be charged with a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, or a felony.

SWI Penalties

If you are convicted with a misdemeanor, you are subject to a $1,000 fine, 90 days in jail, and you can lose your snowmobiling privileges for up to a year.

A gross misdemeanor is charged if you have previous offenses or your blood alcohol content was .20 at the time of your arrest or two hours after. A gross misdemeanor may also be the charge if a minor under the age of 16 was on the snowmobile at the time of the offense. The penalties include fines up to $3,000, a maximum sentence of a year in jail, submission to long-term monitoring programs, loss of driver’s license privileges, forfeiture of the snowmobile, or motor vehicle plate impoundment.

If you have three or more DWI convictions within the past 10 years or a single prior felony DWI conviction, you may receive a 7 year prison sentence and may be ordered to pay fines up to $14,000.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

It is true that part of the fun of snowmobiling in Minnesota is making stops at bars and restaurants along the way, but it is important to keep blood alcohol content under .08 when making these stops. If you have been accused of SWI, you need a qualified Minnesota SWI defense attorney to help you through the process and to receive the best possible outcome in your case. Know that you don’t have to be alone, so make the call.

Contact Jeffrey B. Ring & Associates at (952) 797-7464 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We accept major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

If you or someone you know has been arrested with a DWI charge, it is important to speak to a skilled DWI defense lawyer who can handle your situation with the utmost experience and dedication. Our DWI 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 DWI 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, Maplegrove, 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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