Boating While Impaired(BWI) Lawyer/Attorney In Beaufort
Are you facing a BWI or BUI charge in Beaufort? Our experienced BWI attorney, Joe Kennedy, at Cummings and Kennedy Law Firm can guide you through the legal process, protecting your rights and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Have you been charged with Boating While Impaired in Beaufort?
In North Carolina, the law takes BWI charges very seriously. Similar to a Driving While Impaired (DWI/DUI) offense, a BWI conviction carries significant penalties, such as heavy fines, jail time, and even a judicial revocation of boating privileges. The effects of such a conviction extend beyond immediate penalties, potentially impacting your personal life, professional reputation, and future prospects.
While Boating While Impaired (BWI) and Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges bear similarities to Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI), they are distinct offenses under North Carolina law. A conviction for BWI can occur if you operate any vessel on North Carolina waters while impaired by alcohol or other substances. Furthermore, charges can apply if you've consumed enough alcohol to result in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher at any relevant time after boating.
The term "vessel" in this context can refer to various watercraft, including:
Motorized boats
Water skis
Surfboards
Sailboats
Paddleboards
Other non-motorized vessels
A notable distinction between BWI/BUI and DWI/DUI charges is the necessity of reasonable suspicion for law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle. In the context of DWI offenses, reasonable suspicion is a critical safeguard, and its violation can provide grounds to contest a conviction. However, this does not apply to boating offenses related to alcohol impairment.
Law enforcement has the authority to stop you for any reason while you're boating. For instance, officers may stop you to verify the number of life jackets on board or check licensing and registration during routine safety checks. If you're found to be impaired during such an inspection, even in the absence of initial reasonable suspicion, you can face BWI charges.
While Boating While Impaired (BWI) and Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges bear similarities to Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI), they are distinct offenses under North Carolina law. A conviction for BWI can occur if you operate any
vessel while underway on North Carolina waters while impaired by alcohol or other substances. Furthermore, charges can apply if you've consumed enough alcohol to result in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher at any relevant time after boating.
Don't let a Boating While Impaired charge disrupt your life. Call us today at (252) 728-1208 for a free confidential initial consultation