What Are the Consequences for Boating Under the Influence in Wisconsin?

 Posted on June 04, 2019 in DUI/OWI

With summer comes the welcome of warm weather, and people typically like to spend more time outside. For many Wisconsin residents, boating is a fun outdoor pastime. What some people may not know is that many of the same restrictions that are placed on drivers regarding drugs or alcohol are also true for boat operators. Thus, who are boating while under the influence can be charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Even though relaxing on the water with a drink in hand may seem like a perfect summer day, it can pose serious consequences for those who are not responsible about it.

Wisconsin OWI Laws

Laws are very similar when it comes to the legal operation of motor vehicles and watercraft in Wisconsin. You are not permitted to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more when you are operating a motor vehicle or a boat. For the first offense, you could be fined up to $500. A second offense carries up to $1,000 in fines, in addition to possible jail time. A third offense results in up to $2,000 in fines and 30 days to one year in jail. You will also be required to complete a boating safety course and obtain a certificate of completion.

OWI laws also cover the use of illicit substances. For example, you can be charged with operating a watercraft while under the influence if you have any detectable amount of a controlled substance in your body. The penalties for operating a boat while under the influence of a drug are the same as those for operating while under the influence of alcohol.

If you cause injury to another person because of the way you operated a boat due to the use of drugs or alcohol, the penalties become even more serious. For a first offense, you will be fined between $300 and $2,000 and face between 30 days and one year in jail.

Contact a Waukesha County OWI Lawyer

A day of fun in the sun can quickly turn into a bad experience with the law if you are caught operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First offenses can result in fines, but a second offense can result in up to six months of jail time. If you have been charged with operating a boat while under the influence, contact a knowledgeable Delafield, WI OWI defense attorney right away. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we can help you explore your options for defense. Call our office today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/30/V/80/6/a 

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/30/V/681/2/d/1/b