SWI, Snowmobiling While Intoxicated, is a DWI charge given to a person caught driving a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
The consequences of an SWI offense are almost identical to the consequences of a DWI offense. A first time violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, and/or a $1000 fine, and loss of snowmobiling privileges for a year.
SWI Aggravating Factors
SWI is an enhanceable offense. Any of the following aggravating factors will result in a higher degree of SWI:
- A prior DWI violation in the past 10 years
- A blood alcohol concentration of .16 or higher
- A child under age 16 on the snowmobile at the time of the offense
If any of these elements are involved, the offender will receive a higher degree of SWI (gross misdemeanor or felony) and could incur harsher penalties. The following are punishments for a gross misdemeanor SWI violation:
- A maximum fine of $3,000
- An extended period of mandatory jail time
- Long-term monitoring programs
- Chemical Dependency Assessments
- Loss of driver’s license privileges
- Plate impoundment of all motor vehicles owned by the offender
- Forfeiture of the snowmobile involved in the incident
If a person has three or more SWI or DWI convictions in the past 10 years, or has a prior felony conviction, they can be sentenced to:
- Three to seven years in jail
- Up to a $14,000 fine
- Extended periods of license revocation
Use Our Free BAC Calculator
Use our free BAC calculator on the Ask Appelman App to see if you’re over the MN legal limit before you drive.
Minnesota Drunk Driving Attorney
An experienced Minnesota SWI defense lawyer can help reduce these charges. No matter what degree of SWI you are charged with, a criminal defense attorney can develop a strategy for defense that will ultimately lead to a favorable outcome.
