menu

716 849 1333

Call us 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

search

Charged with boating while intoxicated? You’re not alone.

There are more than 500,000 vessels registered in New York State, so it’s not uncommon to see boaters in Buffalo basking in the sunshine, enjoying cold beverages and cruising Lake Erie waterways. But boating and drinking alcohol are never a good mix. According to the American Boating Association, alcohol is involved in approximately 34% of all boating fatalities each year. It’s no wonder New York State laws regarding boating while intoxicated (BWI) have gotten tougher.

Here are some drug- and alcohol-related charges that can result in boating while intoxicated penalties:

  • BWI (Boating While Intoxicated): Operator has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher or other evidence of intoxication. Operator of a public vessel has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .04 or higher or other evidence of intoxication.
  • BWAI (Boating While Ability Impaired by Alcohol): Operator has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .06 BAC to .07 BAC and/or other evidence of impairment by alcohol.
  • BWAI-Drug (Boating While Ability Impaired by the Use of a Drug): Operator shows evidence of impairment due to a drug other than alcohol.
  • BWI Chemical Test Refusal: Operators who refuse to submit to a chemical test will suffer a revocation of boating privileges for at least six months and will have to pay a civil penalty of at least $200. Learn more about types of chemical tests by visiting our breath and blood tests page.

Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria can help keep you out of hot water.

The most effective defense in a boating while intoxicated case includes a well-informed attorney who knows the intricacies of the law. The BWI lawyers at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria have in-depth knowledge of your rights, the potential penalties that may arise and the possible weaknesses in the charges against you—such as improper testing equipment, inaccurate field sobriety tests or an illegal search and seizure.

The firm’s extensive experience and tough tactics have made Lipsitz Green a go-to firm for Buffalo, NY BWI cases. What’s more, Lipsitz Green has earned a top-tier ranking in Criminal Defense by U.S. News and World Report, so you can feel confident in having their team of lawyers on your side. Review the extensive experience of Lipsitz Green by visiting our DWI attorneys page.

Don’t leave your questions unanswered. Talk to Lipsitz Green.

Lipsitz Green understands how much a BWI arrest impacts you and your family. That’s why the firm makes your case a top priority. If you have additional questions regarding boating while intoxicated, visit the DWI FAQs section or contact Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria’s DWI team today at 716 849 1333. The firm’s lawyers are waiting to talk to you.