BUI Info

One of the most common misconceptions about drunk driving prohibitions is that they only apply to cars. The fact is you can be charged for DWI while operating any type of vehicle, and that includes boats. If you or your loved one has been arrested for driving drunk while operating a boat, contact the Austin DWI lawyer today.

The legal term is Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and it is treated in the same manner as DWI. The legal limit for alcohol on the water is .08% as it is on the road with automobiles. Any type of erratic boating such as speeding, right of way violations, or suspicious driving can catch the attention of harbor police can quite possibly get you arrested.

BUI stops are similar to DUI stops in that the harbor police will attempt to gage your level of intoxication by administering field sobriety tests, chemical tests, and asking you a series of questions. If your BAC test results indicate that you are intoxicated beyond the legal limit, you will be arrested.

If you are convicted for BWI, you face the same consequences as DWI:

Public Criminal Record (Or a DWI addition on an already existing record.)
Jail Time: From 72 Hours to 180 Days
Fine: Up to $2,000
License Suspension
BWI Surcharges
Additional Fines for minors in the boat

Fatalities and injuries resulting from drunk boating can and do happen. This is why law enforcement officials and legislative bodies are equally as tough on BWI as with DWI.

Contac the law office of the Austin DUI lawyer to begin your boating case today.