BWI Defense

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is the act of operating under the influence any motorized craft that carries a person over water, usually motor boats and jet skis. If the craft has any kind of motor at all, it falls under the jurisdiction of the BUI and/or BWI law. The law excludes crafts like rowboats or canoes because those are propelled entirely by water. A kayak is an excellent example of the type of craft exempt from boating while intoxicated laws. If you’re arrested, hire an attorney who is versed in Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) cases. An attorney from Caplan Law may find flaws in your case that may make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.

Many people overlook the fact that DUI laws apply to the operation of any motor vehicle, not just cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Boating activities often involve alcohol; while you may not see a police boat on the side of the river doing traffic stops, you can indeed be ticketed or arrested for boating while intoxicated.

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is the act of operating under the influence any motorized craft that carries a person over water, usually motor boats and jet skis. If the craft has any kind of motor at all, it falls under the jurisdiction of the BUI law. The law, however, excludes crafts like rowboats or canoes because those are propelled entirely by water. A kayak is an excellent example of the type of craft exempt from boating while intoxicated laws.

If you’re arrested, hire a Minnesota BWI Lawyer who is versed in Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) cases. Such an attorney may find flaws or any of the countless other pitfalls that may make up the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. Consult a Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) attorney to discuss you Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) case today.

Consequences of Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) – Law enforcement officers may board your craft for safety and security reasons. But while they are there, they may smell alcohol on your breath. They may see you or others enjoying a few beers. None of this is illegal, yet that evidence alone may compel them to investigate you for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and arrest you if you fail a breath test.

Stiff Penalties — Penalties for operating a boat under the influence of alcohol can be just as steep as drunk driving, ranging from five $500 to $7,500 dollars (or higher) for a conviction depending on state laws, and the severity of your offense. Jail time can be set for as long as two years. The boat operator also has his or her boat license suspended for 12 months. You can be detained by any waterway authority including the Coast Guard. Many states also feature additional penalties. California boating under the influence laws, for example, feature the option to revoke driving licenses in addition to boat permits in such cases.

Unfair BWI arrests – After a day of recreation on the water, you could easily find yourself face to face with a Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) charge. An officer might see you with bloodshot eyes or notice your red face or bloodshot eyes because you forgot your sunglasses. Any officer could mistake these as signs of excessive drinking. If so, you may have to submit to a sobriety test. If you’re fatigued from boating and water skiing all day, and/or if an officer conducts your test on a crooked pier, this could impair your walking ability, and the test could be even harder. All these factors could result in an unreasonable Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrest.

If you feel you are being singled out for a field sobriety test, it is very important to get in touch with a Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Contact Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, legal experts who can assist you, as your boating and driving licenses can both depend on the outcome of your case.