When the term “driving under the influence” is said related to an accident in Georgia, people will automatically believe that it is due to a driver in a motor vehicle. However, people can face comparable charges if they are operating a boat while under the influence. The charges and penalties are like those faced by people charged with DUI and it is important to understand legal options, especially if people were injured in the accident.
According to recent reports, a 32-year-old man was arrested for boating under the influence after an accident over Labor Day weekend. According to law enforcement, the watercraft – a “party pontoon” – had run over a woman who was also on the lake. She suffered injuries to her leg when it was hit by the craft’s propeller. The woman was taken to the hospital in the evening at around 8:30 p.m. The man was taken into custody and later released on bond. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is overseeing the investigation. During Labor Day weekend, there were 18 other arrests for boaters operating a craft while under the influence.
Any charge related to driving or operating a vehicle under the influence can have severe ramifications that will hinder a person’s life for an extended period. Incarceration, being fined, losing driving privileges and more can result. Although people might believe there is a difference between DUI and boating under the influence, they are indeed similar. There may be avenues to create a defense, such as evidence being wrongly gathered or extenuating circumstances having occurred.
For people who have been arrested for operating a boat while intoxicated or who were using any other kind of vehicle, like an ATV, it is important to craft a solid DUI defense. This might be beneficial in achieving a successful outcome and avoiding the worst potential penalties.
