You can get a DUI on a lawn mower if you operate it on a public road with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Furthermore, the same penalties given to a driver would apply in a DUI case involving a lawn mower.
If you get arrested for a DUI on a lawn mower, you should take your defense seriously. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you face these charges.
You can get your DUI case started immediately after a free consultation with a DUI law firm. You will want to give an attorney as much time as possible to work on your defense strategy.
DUI Laws Apply to Lawn Mowers When Driven on Streets or Public Roads
You may avoid DUI charges if you operate a driving lawn mower on private property. You could face charges if you drive a lawn mower on a public road, including highways, while under the influence of alcohol.
According to Vehicle Code Section 670, any “device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway” is considered a vehicle. As such, DUI laws apply to motorized lawn mowers.
As with DUI laws for drivers, driving a lawn mower on public streets or highways while under the influence of drugs is also illegal. You may have to submit to a blood test along with a breathalyzer test.
Examples of DUIs on Lawn Mowers
You may be surprised to discover that DUI arrests on lawn mowers happen. In some cases, it may be necessary to drive a riding lawn mower a short distance on a public road, such as between neighboring houses, but it is still a risk if you are under the influence.
For example, CBS News reported that a California man was arrested and charged with a DUI. He was driving a lawn mower out of a market parking lot two blocks away from his home.
DUI Convictions Carry Harsh Penalties
DUI charges can range in severity. Some can even result in a misdemeanor or felony charge. It all depends on the particular offense, if anyone got hurt, and your history of DUI convictions.
Take a look at the following penalties:
- First offense: You can receive a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months of jail time.
- Second offense: You can receive a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail.
- Third offense: You can receive a fine of up to $1,800 and up to a year in jail.
Other consequences can follow as well. For example, your vehicle may be impounded and your license can be suspended. A DUI conviction will also go on your permanent criminal record, which can make it hard to find employment or gain admittance to academic programs.
Personal Ramifications of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction can also have a lasting negative impact on your personal life. You may even have difficulty interacting with family and friends. DUI convictions can even complicate personal legal matters, such as child custody.
You will want to do everything in your power to avoid a conviction. This starts with building your defense, which a DUI attorney in Los Angeles can assist you with. They can work toward the best outcome in your case, whether that is the dismissal of your charges, reduction of your sentence, or an acquittal after a trial.
A DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help
You may not know where to start, but an attorney can explain what happens when you get a DUI in Los Angeles. Typically, you are arrested and held in jail for 24-48 hours. After that, your arraignment will begin, and you will have the chance to enter a plea. A DUI lawyer can speak on your behalf during this process.
Depending on the plea you entered, you will either be scheduled for sentencing or go to trial. You may also have to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to request the reinstatement of your driver’s license.
A lawyer in Los Angeles can navigate you through the entire legal process and protect your rights. A legal team can determine the best course of action for your defense and prepare you for hearings or trial processes.
Do Not Wait to Contact an Attorney in Los Angeles After Getting a DUI on a Lawn Mower
A DUI attorney in Los Angeles can offer confidential legal services and gather evidence to support your defense. They can investigate your arrest to identify any holes in the prosecution’s case and make sure your rights remain protected.
The sooner you contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer, the better chance you have of receiving the best outcome in your case. Take your DUI charges seriously, as a conviction could change your entire life.
You can discuss your case during a free initial consultation. After that, a legal team can begin working on your defense immediately.
