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Can You Get A DUI On A Horse In TX
Can You Get A DWI On A Horse In Texas
Being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) while you ride a horse sounds ridiculous but actually happens in states like Louisiana, Montana, and even Florida. In Texas, people assume that the law does not say anything about getting charged with a DWI while riding a horse. But DWI laws are not that clear about what means of transport qualify under the DWI statute. An experienced lawyer can tell you if you can get a DWI on a horse in Texas.
Arrested For DWI On Horseback In Texas
Can You Get A DUI Riding A Horse
You can only be charged with a DWI if you are operating a motor vehicle. Texas law defines a motor vehicle as “a device in, on, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.” A horse can be used to transport people on a highway but it is not clear whether it can be defined as a device.
So, it is highly unlikely that a person will face DWI charges for riding a horse while intoxicated. Many horse riders in Texas see riding horses after drinking alcohol as part of a long tradition. That means that it is highly unlikely that the law will be changed to include horses in the definition of motor vehicles.
Charges You Face For Riding A Horse While Drunk
Is It Illegal To Ride A Horse Drunk
There are other DWI-related charges that an officer can file against you if you ride a horse while intoxicated. These include:
- Public intoxication: The consequences for this charge are not the same as those of DWI but can still have a negative impact on your future.
- Animal endangerment: You can be charged with this if you ride the horse in a way that puts it at risk of getting injured.
- Child endangerment: If you have a child with you on the horse, you may face child endangerment charges.
If you damage property or cause injury to other people, you will probably face civil liability.
You Need Strong Defense For DWI Charges
Can You Ride A Horse Drunk
You need to talk to an experienced DWI defense attorney in Texas to help fight DWI charges. Your attorney can review your case to see whether the prosecutor is overcharging you. Your DWI lawyer will do everything they can to get your charges reduced or dismissed altogether. A DWI on your record can make it difficult for you to get work, get into schools* or even find housing.
Consequences For DWI Charge When Driving A Car
DUI On Horseback
People who are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more face the following consequences:
- For a first offense: You face up to fines and up to 180 days in prison. Your license will be suspended for up to a year.
- Second offense: You may pay fines and up to a year in jail if you are convicted. Your license will be suspended for up to two years.
- Third offense: You face a fine and two to ten years in prison if you are convicted. You also face a two-year license suspension.