Yes, the police can administer a breathalyzer test on your boat in Virginia if they suspect that you have been operating your boat under the influence. It is illegal in Virginia to operate a boat under the influence. If you fail the breathalyzer test, the police will arrest and charge you for a DUI. Thereafter, you will need to contact a DWI attorney. Laws and regulations for operating a boat while drinking vary from state to state.
Virginia’s Laws for Operating a Boat Under the Influence
In Virginia, it is illegal to operate a boat while drinking alcohol, taking controlled substances, or the combination of the two. The need for a DUI lawyer to represent you will arise in Virginia if you meet the following criteria of a person driving while intoxicated:
Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level is 0.08 or higher
You are under the age of 21 and your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.02 percent or higher or you have been drinking alcohol and/or doing drugs, which have impaired your ability to operate the boat.
If the police arrests and charges you with operating a boat under the influence, you will need to contact your DWI attorney to fight off or reduce the following penalties:
·You will have to pay a fine of up to $2,500
·You will face a jail time of up to 12 months
·You will lose your privilege to operate your boat for 12 months, but if the cops charge and arrest you again for committing the same violation, you will not be able to operate your boat for 3 years
·You will need to partake in an Alcohol Safety Action Program
In case of implied consent in Virginia, it is implied that the person who has been operating the boat while under the influence of alcohol has given their consent to the breathalyzer test and/or blood test to identify if alcohol and/or drugs have impaired their ability to operate the vessel.
If you refuse to take a breathalyzer and/or blood test, they will charge and arrest you and take away your boating privileges, meaning that you will no longer be allowed to operate your boat. You will need to get in touch with a DWI lawyer to provide you with legal advice and the best course of action to take.
Moreover, you should also be aware of Virginia’s boating laws enforced by the Coast Guard on federal waters and the Conservation Police Officers working for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Booked on DUI Charges?
You need to get in touch with a DUI lawyer with years of experience in defending clients charged with driving while intoxicated. Your DUI attorney has the knowledge and expertise required to help you get a positive outcome and reduce the severity of the charges and penalties imposed on you for operating your boat while under the influence of alcohol.