Law enforcement keeping watch for boaters under the influence

June 19, 2013 (Press-News.org) Law enforcement keeping watch for boaters under the influence

Article provided by Turner & Webb, P.C.
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The summer is finally here, and people across Alabama are taking to lakes and rivers to enjoy a nice day on the water. Most people are well aware of the dangers that can arise when out boating, and have taken steps to ensure their safety. These preparations can help prevent unfortunate tragedies from happening should an accident occur.

However, some boaters may not know about the potential penalties they face if they have too much to drink while out on the water. Alabama, like many other states, treats boating under the influence (BUI) like a driving under the influence case, and the penalties that may be imposed could have a major impact on the lives of those convicted.

Those operating a boat need to be unimpaired and have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of below .08. Once the summer starts, police across the state increase their presence on area waterways. If they suspect that an operator of a watercraft is under the influence, they may perform a stop to check for further signs of impairment.

If convicted of BUI, boaters can face harsh penalties. This includes the possibility of high fines, jail time, substance abuse counseling, drug and alcohol screens and the loss of their operator's license. If the boater has child passengers, the penalties can be substantially increased. Any subsequent DUI or BUI convictions will also increase the penalties that you could receive.

Law enforcement is focused on cracking down on these types of cases in an effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by boating accidents. According to the Alabama Marine Police, there were 75 boating accidents in 2012, 13 of which involved alcohol. These accidents led to 17 deaths, a number that is concerning to officials. In 2012, there were 90 BUI arrests made on state waterways.

If you have been arrested for boating or driving under the influence, you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the seriousness of the charges that you are facing, and help you defend yourself against these accusations.