It appears that we have an NHL star in the news today.
Dustin Byfuglien was arrested on suspicion of “Boating While Intoxicated.”
Here are the Sheriff’s records
http://www4.co.hennepin.mn.us/webbooking/chargedetail.asp?v_booknum=2011023422
You’ll notice that he was released pending complaint, which means that no formal charges have yet been filed. It is however possible that he will still be formally charged. It will be a wait and see as we have no idea what evidence Minnesota police have.
On the potential charge itself.
From the Minnesota Boating Guide:
“BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED (BWI) – The alcohol concentration for impaired operation is .08. Operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance (or its metabolite), or other illegal chemical is unlawful. Operators who are impaired may be required to take tests by an enforcement officer. There is a penalty for refusal. BWI convictions and refusals are recorded on the violator’s driver’s license record. Most of the BWI law is now found in the motor vehicle statutes, and first time violators (no prior DWIs of any kind) who are convicted are subject:
(1) up to a $1,000 fine plus surcharges;
(2) possible jail time;
(3) loss of motorboat operating privileges for 90 days during the boating season, after conviction and written notification by the DNR.
In addition to the above penalties, persons who refuse testing will also be subject to a separate and more severe criminal charge for refusal and loss of their motorboat operating privileges for one year, immediately upon refusal.”
Conflicting reports suggest that Byfuglien refused the breathalyzer, but again that is not yet proven.
Either way, he’s gotten himself in some hot water, and maybe put a small damper on the excitement of the Jets first season back in Winnipeg.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
