Drinking and boating - what are the consequences?
On a hot summer day on a sunny lake, have you unfortunately exceeded the alcohol limit on a watercraft?
This is a more common offense than you might think, unfortunately! Indeed, drinking while boating is an offense punishable by the Criminal Code, and against which you absolutely must defend yourself. But how to get rid of it, and what are the consequences?
duicanada.lawyer explains in detail the impact of a conviction for a boating alcohol offense in the following lines. Better yet, we refer you for free to the right criminal lawyers to defend you!
Is it legal to consume alcohol while operating a boat?
It is not forbidden to consume alcohol on a boat or a watercraft. Indeed, nowhere in the Criminal Code is it mentioned that consuming alcohol on a watercraft is punishable by law.
But BEWARE - Alcohol consumption must remain within the limits permitted by law. This means that consuming alcohol at the helm of a boat will become criminal if the blood alcohol level exceeds 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood!The famous “0.08” applies as much in a car as on a boat.
Exceeding the permitted limit will sanction you with a criminal record, and suspend your driver’s license. See in detail the consequences of such an offence right here.
Operating a boat while impaired: the consequences!
Drinking while operating a boat results in a criminal record, just like in a car!
And the main element that will vary the consequence attached to this offense, is recidivism. Having already one or more convictions for a drinking and driving offense will make the consequences all the more severe.
Here are the minimum penalties for an offense related to drinking and driving, including boating!
| 1st offense - Drinking and boating | Fine of $1000 |
|---|---|
| 2nd offense - Drinking and boating | Imprisonment for 30 days |
| 3rd offense - Drinking and boating | Imprisonment for 120 days |
Drinking on a boat can also make you lose your driver’s license! The offense committed on the water therefore has repercussions on land, so it is an accusation that must be taken seriously.
What to do in case of an accusation of drinking while operating a boat?
Consult a criminal lawyer
Operating a watercraft while impaired is an offense punishable by the Criminal Code. Being accused of such an offense should prompt you to consult a specialized criminal lawyer without delay.
Respect the 90-day license suspension
Even before being found guilty of drinking while operating a boat, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for a period of 90 days. It is almost impossible to avoid this suspension, so this delay must be respected.
Apply for a restricted driver’s license
When you are found guilty of drinking and driving, your driver’s license is first suspended, and then revoked. To regain the right to drive during this prohibition period, you will need to apply for a restricted license, which requires the assistance of a lawyer.
Drinking on a boat: Find a lawyer quickly to defend you!
Drinking while operating a boat is an offense just as serious as driving a car while impaired by alcohol. That’s why you also have an interest in consulting a qualified criminal lawyer to defend you, and without delay.
You have come to the right place to find such a lawyer, as we can quickly and freely put you in contact with an experienced criminal lawyer in your area, all without commitment!