Vermont law prohibits operating or being in actual physical control of a vessel while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. The term "vessel" includes "every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water or a racing shell or rowing scull occupied exclusively by persons over 12 years of age, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water."
A person can be convicted of boating while intoxicated (BWI) for operating a vessel while:
In other words, a BWI can be based on BAC or actual impairment.
The consequences of a Vermont BWI depend on the circumstances of the case. But generally, the consequences are:
Vermont law requires all BWI offenders to complete an eight-hour boating safety education course. And judges must suspend for one year the boat operating privileges of anyone convicted of a BWI.
If you've been arrested for or charged with boating under the influence in Vermont, 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.
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