New York Boating While Ability Impaired Lawyer

With warmer weather on the horizon, many people are making summer plans that include hanging out on the water. And of course, summer and boating usually go hand in hand. Celebrating a summer vacation on the boat while drinking also is a common occurrence. Often, boat operators may not realize that boating while under the influence of alcohol can be a dangerous activity. What also may not be common knowledge is that boaters impaired under the influence of alcohol could face legal consequences and penalties resulting from impairment charges.

In New York, there are many laws related to driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI). The vast majority of drivers have heard of DWI in the context of driving their car or their motorcycle. The basic DWI charge, called a “per se” DWI, may be known by the more common term “drunk driving.” DWI means that a driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or more. A DWAI charge can be brought against a driver whose BAC is between 0.05% and 0.07%. The BAC determines whether a driver is legally impaired or intoxicated. Police use various means to test a driver’s BAC, including breathalyzer tests and in-field sobriety tests. Police may also use other evidence of impairment levels due to alcohol to bring these charges against a driver. How impaired or intoxicated a driver is determines what charge could be brought against them. Additionally, the type of vehicle an impaired or intoxicated driver operates can determine the specific charge.

Boating While Ability Impaired

In New York, a Boating While Ability Impaired (BWAI) charge can be brought against anyone operating a boat while they are impaired by alcohol. If you are operating a boat with a BAC level between 0.05% and 0.07%, your BAC level can be used to show that you are legally impaired. Any other evidence proving your impairment due to alcohol can also lead to a BWAI charge. In addition to the potential dangers of boating while impaired, there are multiple penalties that can result from BWAI.

Penalties for BWAI
Every DWI, impaired driving, or related charge in New York carries a wide variety of penalties. For BWAI these penalties can include:

  • A fine of up to $500;
  • 6-month suspension of boating privileges; and
  • Up to 15 days in jail.

Being charged with a BWAI is a sure-fire way to ruin fun summer plans. The penalties could prevent you from enjoy boating privileges for months, stick you with a steep fine, or even land you in jail. These are serious consequences that could result from a BWAI charges. If you have been charged with Boating While Ability Impaired, or any related charge, call the lawyers at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys immediately. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure the best possible results in your case. Throughout our representation, we will answer all of your questions and explain your legal options. Nave DWI Defense Attorneys lawyers understand New York DWI laws, and can help you today. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.

DISCLAIMER: The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.

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