Legal Implications of BWI Charges

Momentum for the summer season is steadily building. As temperatures climb slowly but steadily, the Lake Area gets busier and busier - especially on the weekends. By the end of summer 2017, the Lake of the Ozarks will host several hundred thousand tourists.

For many people who visit our beautiful area during these warmer months, spending time out on the water is a top priority. Boating is a staple of summer fun, but it is not without its share of risks. This week, our Lake of the Ozarks attorney is here to take a closer look at one particularly dangerous risk boaters face: alcohol.



Adult Beverages On The Lake

Most people who visit the Lake of the Ozarks greatly look forward to getting out on the water and enjoying a few cold beverages while they're at it. In doing so, it is important to drink responsibly as a passenger, and to designate a sober captain. 

Don't Drink And... Boat?

As we all know, alcohol consumption impairs judgment and motor skills. People who are intoxicated are more likely to make poor decisions and engage in behavior that may put themselves and others at risk. For this reason, it is important that you designate a sober captain to operate the vessel. 

Legal Implications Of BWI Charges

Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is a serious charge, and the long-term affects of a conviction may be felt for years to come. 

Boating while intoxicated is a criminal offense. It does not affect your driving record; however, a BWI conviction will leave a permanent mark on your criminal record and can result in jail and even prison time. 

Understanding BWI Arrests

As with driving motor vehicles, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. If a water patrolman has reason to believe you may be operating a vessel with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, he may ask you to take a series of sobriety tests and place you under arrest for suspicion of boating while intoxicated.

Defending BWI Charges

If you are facing BWI charges, securing quality representation is essential. While a BWI conviction in and of itself does not impact your right to drive a vehicle, you may feel the effects of the conviction in other ways. In order to ensure that your rights are protected, we encourage you to engage strong representation from an experienced BWI attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks.

At O'Donnell Law Center, we dedicate a significant portion of our practice to criminal defense and as a criminal law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have a great deal of experiencing defending against BWI charges. For more information about our criminal law services in Osage Beach MO, visit us at www.ODonnellLawCenter.com.

We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.


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Phone: (573) 552-0317

O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3
Osage Beach, MO  65065

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