Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Boating Under the Influence and Your Driver's License

This Chicago DUI attorney knows today is perfect in the city.  The sun is shining.  It is neither too hot nor too cold.  You could spend today along the lakefront and use the waterways to get to the big party on the north side for Pride or downtown for the Taste.  Still, you need to be careful if you are partying on the waterways, especially in a boat.

June 26, Chicago, Il:

 

As the summer boating season enters full swing, states are moving to curtail a peril on the water — boating while intoxicated.

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents involving the nation’s 12.4 million registered boats, the U.S. Coast Guard said. There were 126 fatalities and 293 injuries in 330 alcohol-related boating accidents across the country in 2010.

In Illinois, the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police arrested 12 boaters for operating under the influence over the Memorial Day holiday.

 For a first offense, punishment can include up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine; second offenses can carry one to three years in jail and a $25,000 fine, department spokeswoman Stacey Solano said.

It also subjects you to a suspension of your driver’s license.  That’s right a charge of boating under the influence can get your privileges to drive your car taken away while the case is pending.  Just like on land, a designated “Captain” is important when boating on a glorious day like today.