San Antonio Lawyer for Boating While Intoxicated

Attorney Defending Against BWI Charges in San Antonio, TX

The State of Texas has more inland waterways and lakes than any other state in the U.S. With all these natural resources, it is no wonder that boating is a popular pastime throughout Texas. Anyone who has operated a boat in Texas knows that law enforcement is constantly on the lookout for boaters who have been drinking. That is why it is so critical that you know your rights if you are charged with BWI (boating while intoxicated).

Law enforcement in Central and South Texas treat BWI just as severely as DWI (driving while intoxicated). As a matter of fact, the charges for BWI offenses are the same as DWI offenses, including jail time, license suspension, and massive fines. If you have been accused of BWI on Canyon Lake, Lake Buchanan, or Lake Austin, your first call should be to the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock.

Sam Lock represents clients who have been accused of BWI in San Antonio, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Pecos, and Waco. He understands how frustrating it can be to have Texas Parks & Wildlife officials field test you for sobriety while you are just enjoying a relaxing day on the water. Most people do not realize that these authorities do not even need probable cause to pull your boat over and investigate you for BWI. A conviction of this charge can have serious ramifications for months and even years after the fact, so if an officer stops you for BWI, it is important that you remain calm, avoid making incriminating statements, and state that you would like to speak with an attorney. A criminal defense attorney can advocate for your rights in the courtroom, protecting your license, your freedom, and your wallet from serious fines.

Penalties for Boating While Intoxicated in Texas

For people who are accused of drunk driving, the state measures blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to determine whether the operator of a vehicle is legally impaired. The BAC limit is the same in a car or a boat: at .08% BAC, you can be charged with boating while intoxicated. For a first offense without any serious injuries involved, boating while intoxicated is usually prosecuted as a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by three to 180 days in prison and a fine of $2,000. In addition, a conviction for BWI will result in a six-month suspension of your driver's license and a one-year suspension for a subsequent offense.

BWI charges may escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the circumstances. If someone was seriously injured by your intoxicated boating, you can be charged with a third degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of $10,000 maximum. If someone was killed, then the charge will escalate further to a second degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison with the same fine.

Speak With a San Antonio, TX BWI Defense Lawyer Today

Attorney Sam H. Lock has been practicing criminal law for over 25 years, and he has litigated hundreds of cases for clients in Central and South Texas. Past clients have praised his compassionate, aggressive defense. He works to protect the rights of people who have been accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses.

BWI charges can have serious repercussions, especially if you lose your license or are sentenced to jail. Do not get caught in the court system without experienced representation. Attorney Sam Lock knows how to successfully argue against a BWI charge, and he can help you avoid a criminal record and the associated legal consequences.

You can reach our San Antonio office at 210-226-0965. You can also get legal assistance through our online contact form.