I recently represented a client who was arrested at Canyon Lake for operating his boat under the influence of alcohol. This charge is technically called an OUI, but is commonly referred to as a boating DUI. It is against the law to operate a boat or a watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs and with a blood alcohol concentration greater than .08.
If you are boating in Arizona, especially at one of the common lakes – Roosevelt Lake, Lake Pleasant, Canyon Lake, Bartlett Lake – be careful with your alcohol consumption. When you’re on the lake, you haven’t eaten, and you have been exposed to the sun, alcohol will have a greater affect on you. What a typically see is people having just a few beers then find themselves intoxicated.
The police at these lakes are constantly patrolling for people who are under the influence of alcohol. One of the most common reasons to be pulled over and investigated is for creating a wake in a no wake zone.
If arrested for a boat DUI or OUI in Arizona, the consequences are the same as a regular DUI – fines, mandatory jail time, and probation. In my client’s case, I was able to reduce the charge from OUI to the negligent operation of a watercraft. My client was not sentenced to jail, was not placed on probation and paid a $450 fine. It really doesn’t get any better than this outcome.
If you have been arrested for a boat DUI or OUI, call a lawyer at my office for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and will aggressively fight your case!
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
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Practice areas
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Tempe
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Lake Havasu City
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Apache Junction
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Parker