Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Ability Impaired are most commonly charged for drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol in Fort Collins, Colorado. However, as the weather warms up, it’s important to know that you can be charged with DUI or DWAI for operating another type of vehicle while intoxicated. Buzzed boating and intoxicated bicycling are two ways to be charged with DUI / DWAI without driving a car. If you have been charged with either offense, don’t wait – contact the top DUI lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office today.
Can I Be Charged for DUI on a Boat in Fort Collins? | Operating a Vessel Under the Influence
Yes, you can be charged with DUI for operating a boat while intoxicated, or “Boating Under the Influence,” in Fort Collins. Operating a Vessel Under the Influence, C.R.S. 33-13-108.1, is charged for operating any motorized, wind-powered, or flying vessel while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or a controlled substance. Just like driving, you can cause some serious damage if you get behind the wheel of a boat after having a few drinks. Bottom line: if you’re going boating at Horsetooth Reservoir or Carter Lake, leave the beer at home.
What About Driving Under the Influence for Riding a Bicycle in Loveland and Estes Park?
Believe it or not, you could also be charged with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired for riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol in Loveland and Estes Park. Both DUI and DWAI are charged for operating a motor vehicle or vehicle when your ability to operate the vehicle has been impaired by alcohol. C.R.S. 42-1-102 (112) includes bicycles in its definition of vehicles, meaning that you can be charged with DUI / DWAI for drinking and biking.
Could I Get Arrested by the Larimer County Sheriff for Being Drunk in Public? | Public Intoxication in Colorado
No, you cannot be arrested by the Larimer County Sheriff for walking around while you’re drunk, provided that your behavior is lawful (i.e., you don’t commit a crime while you’re buzzed). This is known as Public Intoxication, and in many states, just being intoxicated in public is a crime in and of itself. However, this is not the case in Colorado, and Public Intoxication laws don’t exist here. So if you’re out drinking in downtown Fort Collins and you can’t drive yourself home, walk around to your heart’s content.
Have you been charged with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired while boating or bicycling? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Never talk to the Fort Collins Police or the Larimer County Sheriff about your DUI charges. Instead, get in contact with a top Fort Collins DUI lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today by calling 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Adam Dubec