Virginians love to have a good time on the water and love taking out their boats. For many people, this includes alcohol and that can lead to serious penalties, just as serious as driving a car while intoxicated. The charge of a boating DUI carries the same fines and penalties as driving while intoxicated and can carry the same significant loss of freedom. Therefore, if you have been charged with a boating DUI, it is important to speak to an experienced boating DUI attorney right away.
Unfortunately for many people, being in the sun combined with drinking can make a person intoxicated much more quickly than they normally would be. And if you are drinking on an empty stomach, it will only make your blood-alcohol level climb higher faster. Therefore, if you are going out in the sun to take the boat out and you plan to take beer or alcohol with you, is important to do the following:
- Bring an umbrella or something for shade
- Be sure to eat a hearty meal about an hour before going out
- Drink water throughout the day and stay hydrated
This can help prevent intoxication and keep your blood-alcohol level below the legal limit. If you have a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, or if you are a minor and have a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher, you may face boating DUI charges in Virginia. Law enforcement officials are authorized to stop watercraft to make sure their drivers are safe enough to be on the water. A boating DUI can be costly, not only monetarily, but in other ways as well.
You may face the loss of a job or close relationships as you fight fines and possible jail time. You may have to rely on public transportation or other people for rides to go anywhere. You need an experienced DUI lawyer who understands both the medical and scientific concepts so he can research and properly defend you.
