Too many times, someone has boated at the Lake of the Ozarks while intoxicated. Besides endangering your own life and the lives of those around you, there are severe penalties for boating while intoxicated. Our BWI lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you information on what the penalties are for boating while intoxicated in the state of Missouri. You should always avoid boating while intoxicated. The consequences just simply aren’t worth it. If you or a loved one has been charged with boating while intoxicated, the Lake of the Ozarks BWI defense lawyers at the law firm of Deputy & Mizell are ready to help. Call our Lebanon office at 417-532-2191 or our Camdenton office at 573-346-9990 for your free consultation.
The Penalties for Boating While Intoxicated in The State of Missouri
For First Time Offenders:
You could be sentenced with a Class B Misdemeanor, which could be a maximum 6-month jail sentence and $1000 fine. If it’s your first time and you had someone less than 17 years old on the boat with you, you could get a Class A Misdemeanor and be sentenced with a 1-year jail sentence and a maximum $2000 fine.
You could also be sentenced with a Class E Felony, which could be up to four years in prison and a max. $10,000 fine. If it’s your first offense and you were acting with criminal intent, as in you were trying to injure Law Enforcement or 1st Responders or another person, then you could be sentenced with a Class D Felony, which could be up to 7 years in prison or a maximum $10,000 fine. If you act with criminal intent and try to cause harm to a first responder or you cause death to another person, then you could be sentenced with a Class C Felony and be charged with 3-10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. If you cause death to a first responder, then you could be charged with a Class B Felony, which can result in 5-15 years in prison and fines that don’t have a limit.
Source: NOLO
The penalties can get more severe if you are a repeat BWI offender. The best thing to probably do is to ask your attorney about the more severe penalties. If you or someone you love has been charged with boating while intoxicated, it is so important that you seek strong legal representation.
Deputy and Mizell has extensive experience handling all types of these cases, and we have a strong track record of success representing clients charged with BWI on Lake of the Ozarks AND other lakes. So, your offense didn’t necessarily have to take place on the Lake of the Ozarks for us to be able to help you. 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. If you are in need of an experienced BWI attorney in Mid-Missouri, call Deputy and Mizell today for your free consultation.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region
Lebanon: 417-532-2191
Camdenton: 573-346-9990
