BWI (Boating While Intoxicated)
Across the United States, it is against the law for drivers over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. It is important to remember that a motor vehicle refers to more than just a car or truck—boats are considered motor vehicles as well.According to a 2002 study by the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol consumption was involved in 39 percent of all boating fatalities. This study found that boat operators with a BAC of .10 or above were ten times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a boat operator who abstained from alcohol. Due to these statistics, law enforcement agencies have begun cracking down on intoxicated boaters.
Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is just as serious as driving while intoxicated (DWI). In both cases, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, community service, lose your driving privileges, and forced to pay expensive fines. The sentence depends on many factors, such as whether you have had a prior offense or caused an accident while under the influence.
In many states, a BWI conviction will show up on your driving record, leading to increased insurance rates. The conviction will also show up on your criminal record, making it more difficult to find future employment.
You may also face an administrative license suspension if you are charged with BWI. This license suspension occurs automatically if you fail or refuse to take a breath test. You have a limited time to request an administrative hearing—five to ten days in most states.
You can be found guilty of BWI if you operate a boat, Jet Ski, or any other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is important to note that, in some states, the legal limit for BWI is much lower than for DWI. For example, the legal limit in Maine is .04 percent.
Are you ready to fight your BWI charges? If so, it is important to speak with an attorney who is experienced with DWI defense. A skilled attorney may be able to have your boating while intoxicated charges reduced or even dropped.
