See what I did there?
Get it?
Whatever. Dad jokes are funny.
Being charged with and arrested for BWI is not, though. Boating while under the influence is a serious offense. In fact, the laws got a little stricter on October 1, 2019, in Maryland for repeat offenders.
Steeper penalties for repeat offenders
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been pulled over on the highway or stopped by the state police on the waterways of Maryland, a repeat DUI offender will now face much steeper penalties. The new penalties are as follows:
- The maximum prison sentence is now five years if you commit vehicular homicide while under the influence
- Jail time is doubled to 10 years for repeat drunk driving/operating offenders with prior convictions
- If convicted of BWI with a minor (under 18) aboard the vessel, the sentence comes with one year in prison on a first conviction and two years in prison on a second conviction
Maryland alcohol-related boating statistics
The latest data available for boating accidents related to alcohol from the United States Coast Guard is for the 2018 calendar year. These statistics were released in August 2019. According to the data, 10 accidents involved alcohol use; 5 people were injured, and 5 people died.
When you compare these numbers with those from 2017, there are some differences. There were 16 accidents caused by alcohol use that year, with three deaths, and 17 injuries stemming from those accidents. 2015 was the deadliest year of the last four years in Maryland with eight deaths attributed to alcohol use while boating.
Understanding Maryland boating laws
If you are planning on buying or renting a boat in Maryland it’s imperative that you understand the state’s boating laws. Some of the most important boating laws on the books include the following:
- Be at least 16 years of age and hold a certificate of boating safety
- Have at least one personal flotation device (PFD) on the vessel for every passenger
- All passengers under the age of 13 must wear a PFD at all times
- The vessel must have a title and be registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Carry a Certificate of Number each and every time you operate the vessel
- Only operate your personnel watercraft during daylight hours and never at night
- Operate the vessel at no more than six knots when within 100 feet of another vessel, a bridge, a pier, people in the water, or an abutment
- Never operate your vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol of any kind
- Obey the navigational laws at all times
Facing charges of DUI for the first, second, third, or subsequent time is not easy. It’s a difficult situation to be in and one that can lead to the loss of your license for the rest of your life. You might also have difficulty holding a job. It’s imperative that you speak with an experienced Annapolis DUI defense attorney about your case from the office of Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law. We also have an office in Ellicott City to better serve you. Call our office at 410-271-1892 or complete a contact form to schedule a consultation.
And remember – Keep Calm, and Call Drew.
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