Court: River rats can't legally raft drunk

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By Associated Press

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Floating down the river on a raft under the influence of intoxicants turns out to be a violation of state boating laws.

The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that a raft is covered by the laws regulating boating in the state.

Peter Lambert had challenged his conviction for boating under the influence of intoxicants by arguing his raft was not a boat within the meaning of the statute.

And even if it was considered a boat, he argued there was not enough evidence to show that he operated it or was in actual physical control of it, as required by the law.

But the court rejected those arguments, ruling the raft fit the definition of a boat and Lambert was using it for transportation.

 

(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.)

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