When you think of a perfect afternoon spent boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you’re probably imagining bright sunshine, calm waters, good friends, and (of course) an ice cold beer or your favorite cocktail.
It’s no secret that drinking and boating at the Lake of the Ozarks often go hand-in-hand. While it’s perfectly fine for adults ages 21 and over to responsibly enjoy a few alcoholic beverages while they’re out on the water, irresponsible alcohol consumption unfortunately happens far too often. Alcoholic drinks are given to people who are under age, and drivers get behind the wheel after even if they aren’t entirely sober.
When this happens, it not only endangers the individuals within the boat in question – it also risks the lives and personal safety of everyone else on the water. For this reason, boating while intoxicated is recognized as a serious criminal offense both at the Lake of the Ozarks and beyond. If you are facing a BWI charge, it’s time to take action.
Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
On busy holiday weekends, the population at the Lake can rise to around one million people. With so many people enjoying all that our beautiful area has to offer, safety becomes a top priority for law enforcement, water patrol, and other responsible individuals. Just like driving, boating while intoxicated is a serious criminal offense punishable by substantial fines and even jail time.
A BWI conviction will not appear on your Missouri driving record, but it will become a part of your criminal record. This means that it will show up in any professional background check, which can make it more difficult to obtain employment, housing, or educational opportunities. Additionally, individuals who have been convicted of boating while intoxicated are required to take a boater safety class and reapply for their boating licenses before they will be allowed to operate a watercraft again.
BWI Representation at the Lake of the Ozarks
If you or a loved one has been charged with boating while intoxicated, seeking representation from an experienced BWI defense attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is essential. Collectively, the BWI defense attorneys at Deputy & Mizell, LLC have extensive experience handling all types of BWI cases and are proud to report a strong track record of success representing clients with BWI charges.
Your first consultation with one our attorneys in Camden County MO is always free, so call 1-877-532-2191 to schedule yours today. We are always available during regular business hours, and we are also available in the evenings and on the weekends by appointment.
Don’t leave your future up to chance! We would be honored to help you protect both your future and your rights.
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