5 Unexpected Scenarios in Which You Can Get Charged with DWI
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense and can get you in prison for a long time. While it is understood that driving while intoxicated is a big no, it is also important to understand how you can be charged with a DWI/DUI in a few other scenarios as well. These are important to understand and remember to avoid being caught in a situation unwittingly. So, here are 5 unexpected scenarios where you can get a DWI/DUI.
Sitting in a Parked Vehicle
If you’re intoxicated or under the influence and are sitting in the car, most state laws suggest that you can be charged with a DWI/DUI. However, it also depends on different factors:
1. Position of the car
2. Location of the key
3. Position of the person
4. State of the car engine – operational or not
5. State of the driver – what they were doing when spotted
You can be charged with a DWI if you’re in the driver’s seat and the car is in the ignition. However, if you’re in the passenger seat and the keys are somewhere else, it is less likely. The idea is to determine whether you would drive or have potentially driven while under the influence.
Riding a Horse
Riding a horse or a horse attached to a carriage/buggy under intoxication is also punishable in most states. This is because horses and carriages can cause damage on the road, especially if the person is not completely sober. So next time you’ve had a drink or two, do not hop onto a horse and gallop away.
Navigating Water Vessels
Most state laws describe a vehicle as any entity that can transport a person or their possessions. Thus, riding your jet ski or driving a steamboat while under the influence can get the person a DWI. Furthermore, even non-motorized water vehicles such as water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and several others cannot be used by people who are intoxicated. One of the main reasons behind this is that any foreign substance makes a person lose their focus and reduce their reflexes, which poses a threat to themselves and potentially someone else if they drive or ride different vehicles. With water vessels, there’s no exception.
Biking
Biking Under the Influence (BUI) is also an offense you can be charged with. The rationale is the same as in the previous case. This is the case in numerous states, and if someone is harmed due to an unfortunate accident, you will be charged and would have to spend time in prison.
Operating Agricultural Equipment
Most farmers in the countryside like to pop a cold beer while using their tractors. However, it is a vehicle, and the person can be charged with DWI in this scenario as well. Besides this, it is also common for farmers to drive across fields and use roads to go from one field to another. In such cases, the laws consider it a DWI offense.
Conclusion
Overall, these are the 5 surprising situations in which you can be charged with a DWI or DUI. If you’re ever unsure of the scenario and are still charged with it while in Suffolk County, you can always reach out to a Suffolk County DWI attorney who could bring some clarity and handle your case. Although an academic understanding of these and several other potential scenarios is good, it is important to be cautious. When under the influence, do not be in the driver’s seat in a motorized or non-motorized vehicle, whether on the road or in water. So stay safe and don’t drink and drive. Call a loved one to pick you up.
