If your fun day on the water resulted in an arrest for boating while intoxicated (BWI), you may face serious fines, jail time, and/or the loss of your license.
A Lewisville boating while intoxicated lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to help you with your defense. By examining the details of your arrest, a member of our team will aim to build the best defense possible for your case.
Drinking while riding in a boat in Texas is not illegal; however, operating one under the influence of alcohol is illegal. In fact, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, boating while intoxicated is the leading cause of boating fatalities. If you are facing serious penalties for your BWI arrest, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg now for a free initial case evaluation: (214) 696-9253.
Important Factors in Your BWI Arrest
There are more similarities than differences when it comes to a boating while intoxicated (BWI) charge and a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. Both are serious matters that require your full attention.
In a case involving DWI, an officer must have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle. This is not the case when it comes to BWI. An officer may step aboard your boat for any reason.
For an officer to conduct a field sobriety test, they must conduct the test on land. If the officer conducts the test on an uneven dock or pier and/or if you have “sea legs” from being on the water all day, that may affect the results of the test.
If you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher and cause an accident resulting in serious injuries, you may face a charge of intoxication assault. If the accident results in death, the charge may be intoxication manslaughter.
An arrest for BWI can impact your career and possibly result in the loss of your driver’s license, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you were recently arrested for BWI, a Lewisville boating while intoxicated lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to help you fight the charges. Call us now for a free initial case evaluation: (214) 696-9253.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer May Be Able To Help You
Whether this is your first offense or your second or third, you may want to enlist the services of a defense lawyer to protect your future. A lawyer may notice important details of your case that can affect the outcome, including such factors as:
- Whether someone other than you operated the boat
- Whether the field testing was correctly administered by a properly trained professional
These are just a few of the important types of information that may affect your case. If you refuse to submit to a breath or blood alcohol test, you may lose your driver’s license in addition to your boating privileges.
Requesting the Reinstatement of Your License
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can assist you with a request for an Administrative License Revocation hearing. A hearing is your best chance for the reinstatement of your driver’s license for essential travel such as to work or to the store.
You must request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest. The response time regarding your request is much longer—it can take up to 120 days to learn the date of your hearing.
If granted a hearing, you must make a strong case before the Administrative Law Judge for the return of your license. The judge may rule against you, in which case you can possibly appeal the decision.
A criminal defense lawyer from our office may be able to help you from the moment of arrest until the final outcome of your case and everywhere in between.
The Possible Penalties of Your BWI
If convicted of your BWI charge, you may face fines and/or jail time. Depending upon a judge’s ruling, you can spend anywhere from 72 hours to six months in jail for a first offense. Higher fees and longer jail times are possible for second and third offenses.
A BWI conviction can also impact your life in the following ways:
- Prevent you from returning to your career or from pursuing a new one
- Affect your relationships with your spouse, parents, and children
- Impact your finances
- Result in harm to your reputation
BWI is a criminal act that violates Section 49.06 of the Texas Penal Code. It is a charge the state takes very seriously, and you should too. Seek help now for your criminal defense by reaching out to the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.
Get Help From the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg for Your BWI Charge
The weight of your arrest can weigh heavily on your mind as you await your court date. Dealing with the details of your case can only leave you feeling more anxious and stressed.
That is why you may choose to hire a Lewisville boating while intoxicated lawyer to protect your best interests. At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we understand Texas law as it applies to your case.
If you hire us, we will work hard to either dismiss the charges against you or to get them reduced. As part of our services to you, we may also help with Administrative License Revocation hearings and appeals.
The knowledge that someone is on your side during this difficult time may allow you to focus on other aspects of your life—like your family and your job. While there is no way to predict the outcome of your case, our team will not stop until we do all that is possible for you.
If you were recently arrested for BWI, defend yourself against the charges with help from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. Call us today for a free initial case evaluation: (214) 696-9253.
