Boating Under the Influence

Posted on June 3, 2014 in DUI Case

In the state of Arizona, it is illegal to operate a motorized watercraft while under the influence of any alcoholic beverages, drugs, vapor-releasing substances, or any combination of intoxicants. If you live in Maricopa, Pinal, or Pima County, it is important that you seek the help of an experienced DUI attorney like those associated with the Rosenstein Law Group.

Boaters and motor vehicle operators face similar consequences when driving their respective vehicles while under the influence. Just as a motor vehicle, law enforcement officers may arrest a person driving a watercraft if they have a BAC of .08 percent or higher. However, when operating a watercraft keep in mind that any person with a BAC of .04 percent orhigher may be faced with an OUI, operating under the influence.

Similar rules also apply to watercraft drivers as motor vehicle drivers in reference to extreme and super extreme DUI’s. When operating a watercraft vehicle, if your BAC is higher than a .15 percent you may be convicted of an extreme OUI. If your BAC is higher than a .20 percent, then you may be charged with a super extreme OUI. Arizona is also has azero tolerance policy for operating a motor vehicle while under the age of 21.

As with driving a motor vehicle, we suggest that if you get pulled over on a boat for suspicion of OUI, and a law enforcement officer asks you to perform any sobriety tests or asks to take a breath, blood, or urine sample, you should firmly but politely tell them you wish to speak to your attorney. Then call us, the Rosenstein Law Group, at 480-248-7666, and ask to speak with one of our attorneys, who will help you in the following steps of dealing with the law officer. A person who is convicted of OUIis subject to jail time, fines, community restitution and more. This person may also be ordered to complete an alcohol or drug screening if the judge deems in necessary.

It is important that your legal situation be handled by experts with the experience and dedication to make sure you get the best possible representation on your case. The attorneys at the Rosenstein Law Group can provide you with just such experience and dedication and dotheir best to help you get through and move on from such a stressful and overwhelming time. Give us a call today and set up a free consultation so that we can evaluate how to best proceed with your case.