Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is a related offense under TX Code Sec. 49. If you get caught operating a boat or other watercraft while your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit of 0.08, you could face the same fines, potential jail time, and other consequences you would face if the police arrested you for driving a car while intoxicated. If the police arrested you and now you may face BWI charges in or around Carrollton, Texas, call a boating while intoxicated lawyer in Carrollton from Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.
Our BWI attorney can help you fight these charges. Call (214) 696-9253 now to learn more.
BWI Convictions Come With Stiff Penalties
There are several places to boat, fish, and enjoy the water in and around Denton, Dallas, and Collin counties. Whether you like to waterski, jet ski, kayak, or fish, you can find a place to do it on one of the many lakes and creeks in the area. This includes:
- White Rock Lake
- Grapevine Lake
- Lewisville Lake
- Duck Creek
Many people seem to think that boating and drinking go hand-in-hand, though, so law enforcement agencies keep a close eye on boaters to ensure everyone’s safety. If they stop you and suspect you are drinking, you could face BWI charges. This is true no matter what type of boat or craft you are operating. This includes fishing boats, ski boats, sailboats, jet skis, and many other types of crafts.
BWI convictions come with serious consequences. Some things to keep in mind include:
- A first offense could mean 72 hours to 6 months in jail, although there is no mandatory minimum jail time.
- You could lose your driver’s license for up to two years or have to install an ignition interlock device on your car if convicted.
- If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, you will likely face a more serious class A misdemeanor charge.
- If you cause a boating accident or other injuries and the police arrest you for a BWI, this could result in a felony DWI charge.
- If you cause an accident and get convicted of a BWI, Texas law prevents you from getting your record sealed.
In addition to paying fines and facing possible jail time and a license suspension, you will likely also need to cover the court costs and fees and pay to attend a required alcohol safety course. Other penalties could include:
- Probation, known as “community supervision”
- Community service
- Court-ordered substance abuse treatment
- Installing an ignition interlock on your car
A BWI also counts as a previous offense if you get arrested for a DWI or another related violation in the future. This would mean enhanced penalties, including mandatory jail time and substantial fines.
Attorney Randy Isenberg Understands How to Beat BWI Charges
Carrollton criminal defense lawyer Randy Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience with BWI and DWI cases in Texas, including trying them as a former prosecutor. Isenberg also previously served as both a state district judge and an assistant district attorney. Today, he dedicates his practice to helping people like you who were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, made a mistake, or otherwise find themselves facing the possibility of serious consequences.
To learn more about how our team can help you fight Carrollton BWI charges, call a boating while intoxicated lawyer in Carrollton from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253.
You Could Lose Your License Even if They Do Not Convict You of a Carrollton BWI
Like a DWI arrest, a BWI arrest leads to an automatic suspension of your license by the Texas Department of Public Safety, known as an Administrative License Revocation. This administrative proceeding is separate from the criminal case against you, and you could lose your license even if you never face BWI charges.
The arresting officer will take your license and give you information about challenging the ALR during an ALR hearing. If you call us with sufficient time to do so, we can request this hearing for you and represent you to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).
We Can Develop a Strong Defense Strategy to Fight Carrollton BWI Charges
Our BWI attorney in Carrollton will review the facts of your case and evaluate the best options for building a strong defense strategy. This could include:
- Questioning the accuracy of the BAC testing results
- Questioning whether the police had probable cause for arrest
- Ensuring the officers conducted field sobriety testing properly because it is different on a boat
We will investigate your case and identify all possible ways of introducing reasonable doubt. This will allow us to weaken the case against you and possibly get a more favorable outcome on your behalf.
Talk to a Boating While Intoxicated Attorney in Carrollton
If you face charges or were recently arrested for BWI in Carrollton or a nearby area, the team from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is here to help. Call a boating while intoxicated lawyer in Carrollton today at (214) 696-9253 to discuss your case and learn more about our services.
