Summer is right around the corner and prime boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks is almost here. While boating can be a fun activity to enjoy with your family and friends, it’s important that you boat safely. Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly. Our BWI attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to answer a few frequently asked questions about boating while intoxicated. If you or a loved one has been charged with boating while intoxicated, call Deputy & Mizell at 417-532-2191.
Boating While Intoxicated FAQs
Q: What is the worst possible punishment for a BWI?
A: A Class B felony for boating while intoxicated involves being punished with anywhere from 5 to 15 years in prison and paying fines that don’t have a maximum amount. You may receive a Class B felony if you are a habitual boating offender with an impairment or per se BWI conviction. You may also receive a Class B felony if you are a standard first offender with an impairment BWI conviction and caused the death of law enforcement or emergency personnel.
Q: Are there different types of BWIs and if so, what are they?
A: There are 2 different of BWIs; an impairment BWI and a Per se BWI. An impairment BWI involves proving the offender was impaired by drugs or alcohol. Per se BWIs are when you are boating with a BAC of .08% or greater.
Q: What’s a “Class A Felony” for boating while intoxicated?
A: A Class A felony involves being punished with anywhere from 10 years to life in prison and fines that don’t have a maximum amount.
Q: What’s an “aggravated boating offender”?
A: An aggravated boating offender is someone who had 3 or more prior offenses or 2 or more offenses where one of them involved killing or injuring someone.
Need an Experienced BWI Attorney in Camden County?
Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is a serious offense punishable by substantial fines and jail time. Even though a BWI conviction does not go on your Missouri driving record, avoiding a conviction should be a priority. BWI convictions are part of your criminal record and can show up on background checks by prospective employers and others. In addition, people convicted of BWI are required to take a boater safety class and reapply for their boating licenses. If you’ve been charged with a BWI, Deputy and Mizell is ready to help. We have extensive experience handling all types of these cases, and we have a strong track record of success representing clients charged with BWI on the Lake of the Ozarks and other lakes. Our attorneys review all of the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you, looking for flaws in the case that can be used to your advantage. We present the strongest possible argument in an effort to beat the charges against you outright. If the prosecution has a strong case, we may pursue a plea bargain if we feel it is in your best interests. In every case, our only concern is resolving the case in a manner that is most beneficial for you. Call us at 417-532-2191 for a free consultation today.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
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