Indianapolis Boating While Intoxicated Lawyers

Former Fatal Alcohol Crash Prosecutors Now Representing the Accused

In the same way that it is illegal for a person to drive a car while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, it is also against the law for a person to operate a motorboat while intoxicated. This is a crime that is commonly known as boating while intoxicated (BWI), or boating under the influence (BUI).

Many of the same rules that apply to DUI/OVWI/OWI also apply to BWI. In a BWI or BUI offense, a person is considered to be intoxicated if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, if you have a BAC level that is below the legal limit, you may still be faced with BWI charges if it can be shown that you were intoxicated at the lower BAC level.

If you have been arrested for an alleged BUI offense, do not simply assume that your case will result in a conviction. At Keffer Hirschauer LLP, we are Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers who can assess your case and help you take advantage of any opportunities you have to refute your charges.

Penalties for BWI/BUI

BWI/BUI is considered a Class C misdemeanor. A conviction for this offense can result in 60 days of imprisonment, a $500 fine and a loss of one’s privileges to operate a motorboat for one year. Furthermore, the court may also choose to suspend the boat operator’s privileges to drive a motor vehicle.

There are scenarios in which an offense of boating while intoxicated will be charged as a felony. A BWI/BUI offense that causes someone else serious injury will typically be raised to a Class D felony, while a BWI/BUI offense that causes someone else’s death will typically be raised to a Class C felony. In either situation, the penalties become much more severe.

To learn more about your options for contesting your BWI charges, pick up the phone and contact Keffer Hirschauer LLP. You can take advantage of one of our free consultations.