Houston BWI Defense Attorney
Texas has more miles of inland waterways than any other state. We are blessed to have so many beautiful beaches and lakes in our wonderful city and state, but along with these blessings comes the responsibility to keep the waterways safe. Unfortunately, many Texans have ignored this responsibility and our state has the most boat-related fatalities of any state. Because 20% of all boating accident deaths are caused by alcohol consumption, the Texas legislature and state troopers have worked diligently in the last decade to crack down on drunken boating. If you have been accused of Boating While Intoxicated, it is crucial you speak with a Houston DWI attorney as soon as possible.
Because our state is at such a high-risk for BWI accidents, the state lawmakers have given police officers permission to stop your boat to perform a “safety check,” even if they have no reason to suspect you of wrongdoing. When your boat is stopped, the officer may request you take a portable breathalyzer or a “float test” to see if you have been drinking. Even if you have only had a few beers, you should always say no to these tests. They are highly inaccurate and not mandatory. When you do not take the tests, or when the officer deems that you have failed them, you will be taken into the police station. Ask to speak with your Houston BWI lawyer as soon as the officer arrests you.
When you are in the station, you will be asked to take a breathalyzer or blood test. While you will not lose your driver’s license for failing these tests when you have been caught boating under the influence, refusing to take the tests will result in an automatic license suspension. If you do fail the tests or refuse to take them, you will be charged with a BWI. This crime is a Class B misdemeanor and can result in 72 hours in jail and a fine of $2,000. Your Houston BWI defense lawyer can help you fight these charges and may file for a license review hearing if you refused to take the test.
If you have been charged with a BWI, please contact a skilled Houston BWI defense attorney from Johnson, Johnson & Baer. We have the experience you need for a top drunk driving defense in Houston.