Terre Haute Boating Under the Influence Lawyer
If you’ve recently been arrested for boating while intoxicated (BWI) and you need help avoiding a conviction, get in touch with an experienced Terre Haute boating under the influence attorney.
It is not uncommon for people operating a boat or other watercraft to kick back and enjoy the beauty of the water while sipping a few beers or glasses of wine. But many Indiana boaters aren’t aware that boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in our state.
Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is taken just as seriously as a DUI or OWI, despite the fact that you weren’t operating a vehicle that travels on the road.
Your Terre Haute boating under the influence lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm will help you build a compelling defense or work with the prosecution so that your life isn’t permanently impacted by one mistake.
What Happens if You’re Convicted
The penalties associated with a BWI conviction can vary on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, first-time offenders will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to sixty days in jail and fines of $500.
If you are a repeat offender, you can expect to be charged with either a Class A misdemeanor or a Level 6 felony. A Class A misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines, while a Level 6 felony conviction could result in up to two and a half years in jail and $10,000 in fines.
If someone else was killed due to you boating under the influence in Terre Haute, then you can be charged with a Level 5 felony which is punishable by up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Defensive Strategies for Your Case
In Indiana, boats can be stopped for any number of reasons. By legally operating a boat in Indiana waters, you’ve consented to alcohol and drug testing. This puts boaters at a higher risk for being accused of BWI. Fortunately, a boating under the influence lawyer in Terre Haute can help.
Some of the defenses we may be able to utilize in your case include challenging the way your sobriety test was administered if law enforcement made an error in obtaining your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
We can also raise concerns if your sobriety test wasn’t given in a timely manner because it’s possible that your BAC didn’t reflect your level of impairment at the time you were detained. In any event, your attorney will review the details of your case to determine which defense is most likely to be successful for you.
Meet With a Terre Haute BWI Lawyer
If you are interested in discussing your charges with a qualified Terre Haute boating under the influence lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm, you can schedule your no-obligation case review today by giving our office a call at 1-812-232-7400 or completing the quick contact form below.
