California legislator hopes to crack down on boating under the influence
New legislation introduced recently in the California State Assembly aims to improve boating safety by keeping drunk drivers out of the captain’s seat. Assembly member Marc Levine of San Rafaelintroduced a bill that would allow law-enforcement officers to seek search warrants for checking blood-alcohol levels of anyone suspected of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Levine commented that the state already has some of the nation’s strictest DUI laws on the books but that tough laws against drinking while boating are needed as well. He added that boating under the influence has become a grave threat to public safety in California and that his bill empowers law enforcement to discern whether someone operating a boat is impaired.
The new bill seeks to expand an existing 2013 law. Under that law, if a motor vehicle driver is thought to be impaired but won’t submit to a blood test, law-enforcement officers can obtain a search warrant ordering a blood test. Levine’s bill would expand this authority to include blood tests of persons operating boats. A drunk driving attorney can provide additional details.
Levine noted that in 2013, more than 4,000 accidents involving recreational boating occurred. The accidents resulted in 560 deaths and more than 2,600 injuries. Levine stated that use of alcohol is the top cause of deadly boating accidents.
Boating under the influence laws becoming prevalent
An increase in boating deaths and injuries related to boating under the influence in recent years prompted a spate of laws enacted by state legislatures. Today, every U.S. state and the federal government have laws on the books against BUI.
The laws criminalize operating a marine craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As is the case with DUI and DWI, legal ramifications of BUI can be severe, including fines, suspension or revocation of boating licenses and incarceration in serious cases involving deaths or injuries. Anyone involved in such an incident should consult with a crime law attorney.
If you operate any type of marine craft — including a fishing vessel, sailboat, yacht or personal watercraft — it’s important to understand BUI laws. With warmer weather approaching, it’s a good time to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in criminal law Los Angeles.
For more information, contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, criminal lawyer Los Angeles, or call (310) 277-1707.
