Intoxicated Boating and International Waters

There is a commonly-held myth that once a person reaches international waters, they are free to largely do whatever they please. However, this is simply not the case. International waters do mark a point far enough from a national coastline that legal jurisdictions become uncertain. However, these waters do not discount all national laws. Accordingly, boating while intoxicated remains a serious concern.

Contact the Houston DWI attorneys of Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C., by calling 713-222-0400 today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable legal advocate. If you have been accused of boating while intoxicated, you could be facing severe criminal penalties in addition to personal and professional consequences.

International Waters and Boating Laws

Many boat enthusiasts may take their vessels out into the ocean, hoping to escape some of the restrictions apparent in United States waters. While these restrictions may not be as widely enforced due to the difficulties associated with policing vast stretches of ocean, they are still in place. Depending on the preference of the enforcement vessel, the following legal standards can be used on the open waters:

• Laws match whatever nation the boat is registered to
• Laws match whatever flag the boat is flying
• Laws match national laws if the waters enter into a national border

If a Coast Guard vessel or a law enforcement agency stops an American vessel with an intoxicated operator, they may be promptly charged with an intoxicated boating crime.

Contact Us

If you have been accused of boating while intoxicated, or related crimes, then obtaining experienced legal representation should be a priority. To learn more about your rights as a defendant, contact the Houston DWI lawyers of Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C., at 713-222-0400 today.