Operating a boat in the state of Pennsylvania while under the influence of alcohol is a grave danger to the driver of the boat and to public local boaters as well. Also, if the driver chooses to operate a boat while intoxicated, and is caught, there will be dire consequences, in which will affect not only the driver, but their family and future as well. Additionally, this action will land the driver with astronomical court charges, and various difficulties in finding employment due to their serious lack of judgment.
These consequences are enough to make any driver want to obey the law, and not drive under the influence, but there is soon going to be an even heavier penalty for those who choose to boat under the influence (BUI) of alcohol. The legislature in Pennsylvania has approved an amendment to their House Bill 78 that would permit previous drunk driving charges and records to be taken into account when a person is sentenced for boating under the influence. Currently, the bill is awaiting the signature of Gov. Tom Corbett, to make it an official law.
Right now in the state of Pennsylvania, previous drunk driving records and negligence is not accounted for when a person who has been charged with boating under the influence presents their case; but if the House Bill 78 is made law, previous driving under the influence cases will be taken into consideration, which can lead to stricter sentences, for those who are found guilty of operating a boat under the influence. This amendment that was presented to the House bill as well as suggested by Rep. Mike Hanna who stated that a change was needed as well as necessary to the current way people with boating under the influence charges were treated.
The overall proposal was made by Rep. Hanna after a 12-year-old child was tragically killed in a boating accident because the boat driver was under the influence, which not only left the family, shaken but also the state. The fact that your family boating trip out on a lake could quickly change from that of fun, and laughter, to that of dire, danger and even the death of a loved one. The boat driver of that fatal accident had been previously convicted of three DUI’s, and those convictions were not taken into account for his sentencing of boating under the influence.
Experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer Michael V. Worgul represents those accused of DUI. If you have been arrested in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Allegheny County, we are prepared to advise you of your rights and help you formulate the most effective DUI defense strategy so call us today at 412-475-9217.
