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DUI Charges: 3 Alternative Types Of Vehicles That You Can Still Be Arrested In

When thinking of a DUI, the initial visuals will usually involve a car or truck. While these types of vehicles account of a majority of DUI charges, the "driving" portion of this charge can apply to all types of vehicles. It may come as a shock if you are charged with a DUI in an alternative type of vehicle. Fortunately, you have a lot of options and different circumstances to deal with when you are confronted with these alternative charges. By breaking down three alternative types of vehicle charges, you can see how the laws work and ways to get help from a DUI defense lawyer. Understanding the different laws and the maximum punishments can help give you a realistic view of your possible outcome in a DUI case.

Boating Charges

Other than traditional vehicles, one of the more common types of transportation that you can get charged with a DUI in is a boat. Unlike cars, drinking and having open containers on a boat is typically allowed. The problem comes when boat operations become erratic. Your boat may get stopped if you are speeding, invading other boat space, or lack the proper safety materials to operate the vessel. Unlike a car, the actual boating operator can become complicated. If there are multiple people licensed to operate the boat, then it can be hard to pinpoint the exact operator. For example, you may have been charged with DUI because of high alcohol levels, but a sober passenger could have been the one that was actually operating the boat. If this is the case, then a lawyer can help showcase evidence and try to get your charges dropped in court. If you were the boat operator, you could face punishments like the suspension of your boating license, fines, and possible jail time. Seeking professional advice from a DUI lawyer can help you reach the best possible outcome in this case.

Golf Carts

Golf carts are fun vehicles to drive and operate on, but their motorized function can also leave drivers prone to DUI charges if they are operating a golf cart while drunk. If you're riding the golf cart on your personal property, there are typically no charges to worry about. Taking the golf cart into public locations is when it opens up the possible DUI charges. Paved roadways, neighborhoods, and public locations like a golf course are all open areas where you can be charged with a DUI. If you've been charged with a DUI on a golf cart, you can be prosecuted to the same extent as a standard vehicle. This means that you can lose your regular driving license and face criminal charges. A DUI attorney can help defend your case and try to get lesser charges for the incident.

Bicycles

Riding a bike may seem like a clever way to try and avoid DUI charges, but it can actually lead to the same charges that many standard drivers face. Operating a bicycles on streets, sidewalks or in bike lanes while intoxicated can come with a lot of serious charges. The initial confrontation can begin with a bike infraction or erratic bike operations viewed by police officers. A bike infraction can include anything from a lack of a proper headlight to missing safety gear. Once you are charged with a DUI, the vehicle that you were riding on does not matter. You will face the same types of charges as if you were operating a car. Hiring a lawyer is essential for protecting your criminal record and looking for ways to lessen the charges. This can be done by showcasing a lean criminal history, using past cases as precedent, and setting up plea bargains that eliminate the need for any jail time. By lessening the charges, you may be able to have your license returned and the charges completely eliminated from your record.

Operating any type of moving vehicle while intoxicated is not a good idea. Being ignorant to laws can also lead to more trouble. Contact a DUI defense lawyer soon after getting arrested to start planning different defense strategies.


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