Carteret County BWI Crime Lawyers
Boating While Intoxicated North Carolina Laws
North Carolina has specific laws for operating a motorboat or vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These boating under the influence (BUI) laws also address water skis, surfboards, and non-motorized vessels (sailboats, paddle-boats).
As such, an individual can face BUI charges if they:
operate a vessel while under the influence of an impairing substance; or
have an alcohol concentration of .08% or more at any time while boating.
At Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC, we take all our clients’ cases very seriously. Attorney Joe Kennedy has more than 14 years of experience as a former prosecutor and criminal defender. As a result, he has both the skills and relationships necessary to defend you against your boating under the influence charge – Attorney Kennedy can strategize a defense in anticipation of the prosecution’s case and put his prosecutorial relationships to use. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony BUI in Carteret County, our firm can defend you steadfastly.
Give us a call at (252) 486-8663 or contact us online to get started.
BUI Penalties and Enhanced Sentencing
In general, North Carolina charges BUIs as Class 2 misdemeanors punishable by $250-$1,000 in fines and up to 60 days in jail. Judges more commonly may sentence offenders to supervised or unsupervised probation and order a fine.
In the presence of the following aggravating factors, the offender could face enhanced penalties:
Serious injury by impaired boating – Class F felony punishable by 10-41 months in prison
Aggravated serious injury by impaired boating (with prior conviction within 7 years) – Class E felony that carries 15-63 months in prison
Death by impaired boating – Class D felony that carries 38-160 months in prison
Aggravated death by impaired boating (with prior conviction within 7 years) – aggravated Class D felony that carries 64-160 months in prison
Repeat offense for death by impaired boating – Class B2 felony that carries 94-393 months in prison
Contact Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC for Legal Help
If you have been charged with boating under the influence in Carteret County, contact our team at Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC for legal representation immediately. Our attorneys are well-versed in BUI law and will put our years of experience to work as we defend you against your charges. We can argue for a mitigation of aggravated charges or even an entire dismissal of your case, if possible.
Discuss your BUI situation with Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC to learn what your specific defense options are. Call us at (252) 486-8663 or contact us online.