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.