• Snowmobile / ATV DWI

    OWI

    OWI stands for “operated while impaired” and it is very similar to a DWI. The difference is that an OWI arrest doesn’t typically occur on the road. If you are caught with alcohol or drugs in your system while you are behind the wheel of any vehicle, you could be charged with an OWI. OWI includes:

    • Driving a golf cart while intoxicated
    • Driving heavy machinery at work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
    • Driving a boat while impaired (BWI)
    • Driving a truck while intoxicated
    • Driving an ATV or snowmobile while intoxicated
    • Ect.

    The list can go on and on. If you have been charged with OWI, it is imperative that you seek the legal representation of an experienced St. Paul DWI lawyer who has a proven track record of getting the best possible results for clients.

    DEDICATED OWI DEFENSE

    OWI arrests tend to happen on weekends, especially during the warmer months of the year and on special occasions. Individuals like to enjoy alcoholic beverages when they are celebrating and they do not typically think about the next day when they may need to operate a piece of heavy machinery or they may have to operate any off-road vehicle for any reason.

    OWI laws are very similar to DWI laws in that the degree of the offense is determined based on whether or not there were any aggravating factors present when you were arrested. You could be faced with a fourth degree OWI and then all of a sudden an aggravating factor turns it into a third or second degree OWI. Aggravating factors include:

    • A previous DWI conviction within the preceding 10 years
    • Driving with a child 16 years of age or younger at the time of the offense
    • A blood alcohol concentration of .16 or higher.

    PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

    The substances that are against the law to have in your system while operating a motor vehicle include: alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, prescription drugs without a prescription, meth, and heroin. If you are believed to have any of these substances in your body at the time of the offense, then you could be charged. It is important to work with a Minneapolis DWI lawyer who knows how to fight the charges against you, so you can receive the best possible result in your case. Just because you have been charge doesn’t mean you’re destined to pay the maximum penalties. In fact, you could have charges reduced based on the circumstances in your case, and factors that your attorney may find that work in your favor.