What Is The Punishment For Boating While Intoxicated?
As the summer heats up, so does our commentary on boating while intoxicated. As stated, it is one of the least publicized crimes in Texas. However, a substantial number of people get arrested for this every summer. Some think that this crime is a minor crime and does not invoke the seriousness prosecution as
DWI does. To a limited extent they are correct.
BWI is not widely publicized nor discussed in Texas. Some prosecutors go their entire career without one ever crossing their desk. My guess is that after this summer, this will change. The Texas Parks and Wildlife will ramp up monitoring of Texas lakes during this down economic times. Too hot, too many people on the water, and too much alcohol is sold for the Texas Parks and Wildlife to ignore.
Though the criminal step-child of the DWI, BWI does carry with the exact same range of punishment in Texas as DWI. That is, the first offense is a Class B Misdemeanor and is subject to three days to 180 days in county jail. Also, the fine can go all the way to $2,000.