DWI Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)

Dallas DWI/DUI Lawyer | Chad A. West, PLLC

Who doesn’t like to relax at the lake on weekends or vacation near the water?  We are very fortunate to have several beautiful public parks in North Texas like Lake Lewisville, Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Grapevine, Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Whitney. In Texas, it is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher.

That fun trip to the lake can turn as smelly as a dead fish if you are accused of Boating While Intoxicated. BWI is just like getting a DWI in Texas. One major difference between BWI and DWI defense is the justification for the stop.  Texas law does not require a police officer have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop a boat operating on the waters of Texas, but does so require for an automobile stop.

For 24 hour emergency JAIL RELEASE in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant and Rockwall Counties, call us anytime day or night at 214-282-0035 and we will post bond for you at the Jail for release.

Texas Penal Code, § 49.06.  Boating While Intoxicated 

(a)  A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a watercraft.

(b)  Except as provided by Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.

In a BWI case, a watercraft is any craft that a person can be carried on over water. This includes things like water skis and jet skis.  Chad West is your DWI Boating Attorney who will fight for your rights if you find yourself facing a BWI charge.

If you are facing a BWI/DWI/DUI charge in Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding communities, please call or email now to speak to Dallas DWI lawyer Chad West. 214-509-7555, chad@chadwestlaw.com