Iowa law prohibits operating a motorboat or sailboat while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. A person can be convicted of boating while intoxicated (BWI) for operating a watercraft while:
Iowa's OWI Laws similarly make it illegal to drive a car while impaired, with a certain amount of alcohol, or with any amount of a controlled substance in your system.
BWI Penalties
The consequences of an Iowa BWI depend on the circumstances of the case. But generally, the consequences are:
- First offense. A first BWI is a "serious misdemeanor" and generally carries 48 hours to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. First offenders also face a one-year suspension of their boat operating privileges.
- Second offense. Where a BWI offender has a prior BWI conviction that occurred within 12 years of the current violation, the second offense will be an "aggravated misdemeanor" and generally carries at least seven days in jail and $1,000 to $5,000 in fines. Second offenders also face a two-year suspension of their boat operating privileges.
- Third offense. Where a BUI offender has at least two prior BWI convictions that occurred within 12 years of the current violation, the third or subsequent offense will be a class D felony and generally carries 30 days to one year in jail and $2,000 to $7,000 in fines. Third offenders also face a six-year suspension of their boat operating privileges.
- BWI involving serious injury. A BWI involving serious injury to another person is a class D felony and generally carries 30 days to five years in jail, $2,500 to $7,000 in fines, and a one-year suspension of boat operating privileges.
- BWI involving death. A BWI involving death to another person is a class B felony and generally carries up to 25 years in prison and a six-year suspension of boat operating privileges.
Judges are generally required to refer all BWI offenders for substance abuse evaluation and treatment. In some cases, a judge can order an offender to complete a program in a treatment facility in lieu of jail time.
Talk to an Attorney
If you've been arrested for or charged with boating under the influence in Iowa, get in contact with an experienced BWI attorney. The facts of every case are different. A good BWI attorney should be able to explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on your best course of action.