Yes, you can get a DUI on a horse in some states. For example, the police may arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI) while riding a horse in states like California, Florida, and Kentucky.
Other states, like Washington State, do not have direct laws that allow you to face DUI charges while riding a horse, but the police could still seek to pursue related charges. Police officers could also issue other charges to someone accused of riding a horse while drunk.
A Tacoma DUI lawyer can give you more information about these charges and help with your defense if necessary.
Can You Get a DUI on a Horse in Washington?
Washington state does not have a history of using DUI charges to prosecute individuals who drink and ride on a horse. However, the legal codes around drunk driving have a lot of flexibility. A prosecutor could attempt to bring DUI charges against someone accused of drunkenly riding a horse.
Prosecutors could use our state’s laws on persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles when making this kind of allegation, as this law states that horseback riders are “subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle,” which could include regulations on drinking and driving.
If you face this kind of charge, it’s crucial that you call a Tacoma criminal defense lawyer immediately for help.
Potential Charges for Riding a Horse After Drinking
In many situations, you cannot get a DUI on a horse. However, you could face other criminal charges if the police accuse you of riding a horse while impaired by alcohol.
For example, law enforcement could try to charge you with:
- Animal cruelty
- Public intoxication
- Certain traffic violations
These charges can result in harsh penalties, like fines and jail time. Therefore, you need to take them seriously. You can get immediate help handling any of these charges from a criminal defense attorney.
For a free legal consultation, call (253) 238-2558
How Do Lawyers Handle DUI Charges?
Lawyers can use several different strategies to handle DUI charges, regardless of whether they involve a horse or not. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may focus on:
Getting DUI Charges Reduced
In some cases, the prosecution will reduce a DUI allegation through a plea bargain. Taking a plea bargain will reduce the severity of the penalties you face, but it requires you to plead guilty to another charge.
You should always talk to a lawyer before accepting a plea bargain.
Getting the Court to Dismiss a DUI Charge
In some cases, a lawyer can push the court to dismiss a DUI charge. The court may set these charges aside if a lawyer can show that the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to show that you violated a law.
The court may also dismiss DUI charges if the police violated your rights during the legal process.
Fighting DUI Charges in Court
An attorney can also work on aggressively fighting a DUI charge through the court system. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a DUI arrest, an attorney could dispute the results of a blood alcohol content (BAC) test or the actions taken by police officers at the time of the arrest.
Lawyers focus on creating a personalized defense strategy for each client who turns to them for help.
The faster you get help after an arrest, the stronger the chances are that your attorney can successfully resolve the charges you face, helping you avoid the penalties for a conviction.
What Happens After a DUI Conviction?
A conviction for drunk driving can have harsh repercussions. Individuals who face this charge could face incarceration, jail time, and restrictions on their driving privileges. Due to the complex nature of DUI allegations, it’s important to get professional help handling them immediately.
Waiting to get help after any DUI accusation could make it more challenging to successfully resolve the charges. Therefore, you should call a criminal defense lawyer quickly for advice about your next step and help avoiding mistakes that could damage your defense.
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Talk to Us About Getting a DUI on a Horse
So, can you get a DUI on a horse? You can face DUI charges if the police accuse you of riding a horse while impaired in some states. Washington does not have a history of charging horseback riders for riding while drunk.
However, laws shift and change over time. Additionally, the police could accuse you of other crimes while you’re trying to enjoy a horseback ride. If you face any charges, it’s crucial that you Call Dan Next!
Our team at NextLaw understands the importance of immediately getting to work on your defense after a DUI arrest. We can provide the guidance and legal assistance that you deserve, and we have over 100 years of combined experience.
Allow us to take charge of your legal situation right now.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
