Were you arrested for boating under the influence?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in OWI

Boating under the influence charges happen frequently in Wisconsin's waterways. In fact, some Wisconsin boaters may have been arrested and charged with BUI even though they are innocent. This is partly because the very nature of being on a boat with friends can result in an inappropriate arrest.

Unlike a car, boat drivers can switch off with passengers very easily. One minute you might be driving the boat, and the next minute your friend is driving the boat. Because it's easy for boat passengers to move around and switch positions with the driver, police might be confused about who was actually driving the boat.

Let's say your good friend was driving your boat, and he was a responsible boater, a great boat driver and also stone-cold sober. You, on the other hand, were not entirely sober because you just finished drinking four beers over the last couple hours. Because you are technically the owner of the boat, however, police got confused and mistakenly fell under the impression that you were operating your boat while intoxicated.

You're now facing a serious BUI charge, which comes with the threat of numerous fines and jail time. Fortunately, you do not have to take an inappropriate BUI charge on the chin. Every Wisconsin resident accused of a crime, no matter how serious the crime happens to be, will have the right to defend him or herself against the charges in court. In fact, the court will continue to view you as innocent of the charges until -- and only if -- you are found to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.