Boating DUI

The defense attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. represent clients charged with boating DUI throughout Illinois including Lake County, Cook County and DuPage County.

Illinois enforces strict drinking and boating laws that mirror Illinois motor vehicle DUI laws. Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 45/5-16), it is illegal to operate or be in actual physical control of any watercraft (boat, jet ski, wave runner, etc.) while under the influence of alcohol or with an alcohol concentration of .08 or greater.

It is also illegal to operate a watercraft (boat, jet ski, wave runner, etc.) while under the influence of a drug to the degree of impairment, and also illegal to operate a boat with any amount of cannabis or controlled substance (i.e. illegal drugs or certain prescription medications) in your system.

A first offense for boating under the influence of alcohol is a Class A misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. In addition to criminal sentences, a two-year suspension of boating privileges will be imposed for any person who refuses the lawful request to submit to a breath test or chemical test following a boating DUI arrest.

Furthermore, any non-first offender convicted or found guilty of a boating DUI will receive at least a one-year suspension of boating privileges. A non-first offender is anyone with a prior boating DUI.

Boating DUI’s can also lead to felony charges. If previously convicted of a boating DUI, a subsequent offense is a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 3 years in prison. If a boating DUI results in the death of another person, the offense is a Class 2 felony. A person convicted is subject to no less than 3 years in prison and a maximum of 12 years in prison. If the boating DUI resulted in personal injury, permanent disability, great bodily harm or disfigurement, the sentence requires at least 1 year in prison and a maximum of 12 years in prison.

The attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. are experienced in criminal defense, including boating DUI. Our attorneys represent clients throughout Illinois including Lake County, Cook County, and DuPage County. If you are charged with a boating DUI, contact our firm to discuss your options and learn how we can protect your rights.

Client Reviews
Mr. Brandon Davis, THANK YOU for everything you did! I know you are a busy man. You far exceeded our expectations! I am so glad my wife went with her "gut". God Bless you. Again, thank you Brandon. GOD BLESS.
★★★★★
Just wanted you to know all was completed today. Thank you very much for your efforts to allow me to obtain my driving privileges once again. This has been a stress reliever to say the least. Thank you again for your efforts and I will be sure to recommend you in the future.
★★★★★
Hi Brandon, Thank you again so much for everything. You made that whole situation nearly painless. I sincerely hope I never require your services again but I will definitely recommend you to anyone who does. All the best.
★★★★★
Hi Larry, I just wanted to let you know that I got my Class D driver's license back. Thanks for your help, I couldn't have done it without you. You're the best and I'll recommend your law firm to anyone and everyone I can. Thanks again.
★★★★★
Hello, I wanted to thank you for all the help in restoring my driving privileges. It was a long road here, but for the first time since 2006 I have a license. I assure you I will have no need for your services again, however I will be sure to refer anyone in my situation to you. Thank you for all your help, it is life changing. Best.
★★★★★