What to Expect After a Snowmobile DUI

 Posted on March 16, 2023 in DUI

Snowmobiling through snow-covered hills with the cool breeze on your face is a thrill for many who love the outdoors. It is an opportunity to experience Mother Nature from a different perspective along with some 16.4 million people who take part in the sport. However, this popular activity comes with risks of accidents and injuries. In 2019, there were 7,100 snowmobile-related injuries and 300 snowmobile-related deaths in the United States alone, making snowmobiling one of the most dangerous winter sports. If you are facing aggravated felony DUI charges following someone’s death after a snowmobile crash you need an experienced attorney.

DUI Involving Snowmobiles

It is crucial for snowmobile riders to be aware of the risks and to minimize them by following proper safety guidelines, such as taking a safety course and always wearing a helmet. It is also vital to respect the rights of others while on the trails, not only to yield to other users but to avoid reckless behavior. The leading cause of snowmobile accidents is operator error for the following reasons:

• Alcohol or drug use
• Excessive speed
• Lack of training

Riders should take the necessary precautions to stay safe on the slopes. Anyone involved in a personal injury or fatal crash while operating or in physical control of a snowmobile and who is issued a citation is presumed to have given consent to a chemical test. Refusing such a test can lead to having your driver’s license suspended. A police officer can request a chemical test if they suspect DUI is a factor in a crash that results in personal injury or death. Drivers who refuse a sobriety test will have their driving privileges revoked for a minimum of one year.

If you are underage and are caught driving under the influence while operating a snowmobile or if you received court supervision for an alcohol violation, will be reported to the Secretary of State’s office for appropriate action.

Reckless Homicide

A person can be charged with reckless homicide if they operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol and it leads to someone’s death, similarly to when driving a vehicle. A conviction means serving a minimum of two years in prison but that could be longer depending on the circumstances and crash site.

When a person is found to be driving on a suspended or revoked license after having been convicted of aggravated DUI and that person is then involved in an alcohol-related crash in which someone dies, that driver could be charged with reckless homicide.

Contact a Kane County DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges or if you are accused of accidentally killing someone while operating a snowmobile, you could face serious felony charges. An Elgin, IL, DUI criminal defense attorney will try to help you minimize the legal consequences. At The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola we know that being charged with a criminal offense can be life-altering. Call [phone]] for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=3&GA=93&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=1236&GAID=3&LegID=1897&SpecSess=&Session

https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf