Fall From A Golf Cart: Death & DWI Charges

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that a Faribault man has died from a fall from a golf cart. The driver of the cart, a 47 year old Richfield man, was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the fall and faces criminal vehicular homicide and DWI charges.

The two men were camping with friends over the 4th of July and were returning from a fireworks display when the victim rolled off the back of the cart. The victim struck his head on the pavement and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Under Minnesota's DWI laws, the operation of any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol constitutes a crime. By definitiation, golf carts are included. "Motor vehicle" is defined by statute as "every vehicle that is self-propelled."

Minnesota DWI Statutes

Minnesota Statutes Section 169A addresses DUI  & DWI charges in Minnesota, including first-degree driving while impaired (felony); second-degree driving while impaired (gross misdemeanor); third-degree driving while impaired (gross midemeanor); and fourth-degree driving while impaired (misdemeanor). Driving under the influence, open bottle and other crimes are contained within these statutes as well. Continue Reading...