Zamboni Operator Was Charged with Drunk Driving During a Hockey Game

Canada is VERY Tough on DUI’s.  If you don’t believe it’s DUI-harsh in Canada, please read this surprising article:

“A Manitoba Zamboni Operator Was Charged with Drunk Driving During a Hockey Game.”  http://www.vice.com/read/a-manitoba-zamboni-operator-was-charged-with-drunk-driving-during-a-hockey-game-vgtrn.

The same amusing but scary event is discussed in another Canadian news article is at:  “Manitoba police ice Zamboni driver with impaired driving charge.”  Apparently it comes within “any motorized vehicle” as would a riding lawnmower, and who knows what else.  Be creative – a “hoveround” power scooter; toilet with a motorized device to close the seat or a bidet?  At least we have a requirement for a DUI of operating a motor vehicle on a roadway or private property.  The second article states:

Robichaud says the man in his 30s, who was new to the ice-clearing job, has been released from custody.

He is to face charges of impaired driving, refusing a breath sample and resisting arrest.

Robichaud says arresting a Zamboni driver for impaired driving is a first for him, but the offence includes operating any motorized vehicle.

“Liquor and any kind of motorized vehicle don’t mix, regardless of whether it’s on the road or wherever it may be,” he said.

There was no damage to the machine or the rink.

So he didn’t go quietly and was popped for resisting arrest, too.  You might also like this article, before you go up to Canada to get blasted:  “Man charged with abducting and severing thumb of alleged drunk driver.”  http://globalnews.ca/news/2032352/man-charged-for-abducting-and-severing-thumb-of-alleged-drunk-driver/.

Canada is hard to get into if you’ve had a DUI conviction, or even a deferred prosecution in Washington State.  That’s a separate topic and is dealt with comprehensively on my website.  See also:  Washington Defender Association’s Immigration Project for a wealth of advisories on that subject.

But, if you do get into Canada, please do not drink and drive up there.  You may have to hire a lawyer who used to wear a wig and may be up there longer than you’d planned.