Boating While Intoxicated Attorney in Galveston County, Texas
The state of Texas and Galveston County have many miles of inland water where people love to take boats and personal watercraft. Many people do not realize that boating while intoxicated is a crime in the state of Texas and that there are stiff penalties for BWI/BUI offenses, including a fine of up to $2,000 and/or jail time up to 180 days for a first offense, as well as, license suspensions and surcharges.
Like drunk driving offenses on land, charges of boating while intoxicated require an experienced lawyer to provide an effective criminal defense. While BWI/BUI charges are rarely prosecuted in Galveston County, the number of arrests made for these offenses are increasing each year and police officers do not always follow correct procedures in the stop and the gathering of evidence. At my firm, I, Bret Griffin will challenge the arrest and protect your Constitutional rights.
If you have been stopped and arrested for boating while intoxicated, you could lose your license and have a permanent mark on your criminal record. Get the help you need to avoid serious penalties.
Signs of Boating While Intoxicated
Boaters may be suspected of being intoxicated on Texas waterways for many reasons and behaviors, including:
- Driving the boat too fast for the waterway
- Aggressive turns
- Failure to turn on lights and other required equipment
- Open containers on the boat
Additionally, in Texas, there are often "no refusal" weekends where police officers will go up and down a waterway giving breath tests to boaters suspected of being under the influence. Law enforcement officers can also stop a boat to check for safety flotation devices and then investigate for BWI.
A conviction for a BWI can carry significant penalties that include license suspension .
Contact Attorney Bret Griffin After an Arrest
While it is not often thought of as a crime that is as serious as a DWI on land, a BWI/BUI nevertheless carries similar penalties and a conviction can have a similar impact on your future. Contact me, attorney Bret Griffin, to learn more information and talk with me about arrest. Call my Houston office toll free at 888-889-0926 to schedule a free initial consultation.
