Boating Under the Influence Defense Lawyers in New Jersey
New Jersey enjoys a rich maritime environment and many people use boats, jet-skis and other motorized water vessels for work or pleasure throughout the state. Any person found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher while operating a boat or other water vessel faces the same set of punishments that a drunk driver does. All boating under the influence (BUI) charges are considered as DWI charges under New Jersey Law.
New Jersey has a set of boating regulations that call for all operators of boats or watercraft to be at least 16 years old. People operating any watercraft who were born after January 1, 1979 must have a New Jersey State Boating Certificate in their possession when operating a craft. Persons born before 1979 must have a New Jersey State Boating Certificate while operating a personal watercraft.
People who drive boats, jet-skis and other motorized watercraft on non-tidal waters, including all lakes, rivers and creeks, must have a New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles Boating License as well as their safety certificate. Fines for boating without a boating license on non-tidal water can be as high as $500, in addition to any other fines or penalties faced for drinking and boating.
Boating under the influence in New Jersey is very dangerous and can result in a greater level of injury or death to people because of it. Alcohol impairs the ability to control any motorized vehicle but a boat does not have the stopping, turning or reversing capabilities that a car does. Factors such as other boaters, swimmers, and water or weather conditions may all play a role in either preventing or causing a boating accident when coupled with alcohol.
Because these conditions are so unique, however, it is often difficult for the state to make an effective legal argument against a suspected boater. Field sobriety tests, breath tests and other investigative measures may all be compounded by several factors. Boating or spending time on the water is different than spending time on solid ground. Factors including weather, sudden waves, and other external forces will all have to be investigated fully to ensure that each client receives the best defense available.
The legal team at Lependorf & Silverstein has years of experience handling New Jersey DUI cases, including those involving boating under the influence. Our office is located in Princeton but we can take any case throughout the state. Wherever your incident occurred at in New Jersey our lawyers are available for all of your questions.
We are one of the few New Jersey DUI lawyers who give free consultations on any potential drinking and boating case. Because you never want to face a DUI judge in New Jersey unprepared, contact our offices immediately with all of your boating under the influence questions.
If you or a loved one has been accused or arrested for a DWI in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.
