Yes, in Texas, you can get a DUI on a boat. According to Texas Penal Code Section 49.06, boating while intoxicated is a criminal offense. Operating a boat while you are under the influence of alcohol is a Class B misdemeanor and could carry a penalty of 72 hours of jail time.
Penalties for a DUI While Boating
Boating while you are under the influence of alcohol means either your blood or your breath alcohol concentration (BAC) level is higher than .08. The Texas Politics Project affirms that boating with a BAC that is higher than .08 is a Class B misdemeanor with the following penalties:
- A $2,000 fine
- 180 days in jail
Boating while you are intoxicated is a serious offense. It can put yourself and anyone on your boat at risk of injuries. It can also take a financial and emotional toll on you and on your family. A lawyer can help you navigate the charges and potential penalties you are facing.
Understand the Difference Between DUI and DWI
Because people of any legal driving age might be a driver or passenger on a boat, it is important to know how the state’s two different alcohol-related criminal charges can affect you after an arrest. In Texas, DUI and DWI are two separate and very different criminal offenses.
A DWI is an offense you can be charged with as a legal adult. It carries penalties that can include up to six months of jail time for first offenders, and as much as a year of jail time for second offenders. A DWI can also lead to hefty penalties and fines that range from $500 to $10,000, according to the Texas Politics Project.
A charge of DUI is reserved for underage drinking. It is a Class 3 misdemeanor with penalties that can include a 60-day suspension of driving privileges. It is possible to be charged with the more serious DWI even if you are a minor, so you may want to consider consulting a lawyer after an alcohol-related arrest.
Additional Consequences of a DUI While Boating
A DUI could mean you are unable to drive your boat for some time. It can also leave an adverse impression on your community and (potentially) your employment—especially if your employment involves regular boating.
A DUI on a boat can have a lasting impact on your life and lifestyle. A lawyer can help you advocate for a reduction of your charges and work so that you are able to get back to safely boating when you are ready.
How a Lawyer Can Help Following a DUI While Boating Charge
You can get a DUI on a boat. If you do, you may face serious charges and penalties. If you or someone you love is faced with a DUI while boating, a lawyer who fights for you can help in the following ways:
- By ensuring your rights were read to you and that you understood them
- By ensuring any evidence used against you was lawfully obtained
- By negotiating for reduced charges and penalties against you
- By lessening the harmful impact of a DUI on your criminal record
A lawyer can help you minimize the negative impact of a DUI. When you contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we put our resources and knowledge to work on your behalf.
You Can Fight Charges of DUI on a Boat
If you are facing charges of DUI after a day on your boat, you have options for fighting the charges against you and getting your life back into focus. You are not in this fight alone.
Do not let one DUI have a permanently damaging impact on your life, lifestyle, family, and career. If you are concerned about the consequences a DUI can have, contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 to discuss your legal options with a member of our team today.
Let us help you by defending your rights and ensuring that you are treated fairly. You have a right to fight your charges. Call us today so we can get started. The sooner we can learn about your case, the sooner we can take action to help you.
