Kansas BUI Law
In Kansas, it is against the law to operate a boat or other sailing vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Similar to driving under the influence (DUI) offenses, a person will be charged with boating under the influence (BUI) if it is found that he or she has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more.
Under state law, no person shall operate or attempt to operate any vessel while:
- The alcohol concentration in the person's blood or breath, at the time or within 2 hours after the person operated or attempted to operate the vessel is .08% or more;
- The alcohol concentration in the person's blood or breath, at the time or within 2 hours after the person operated or attempted to operate the vessel is .02% or more if the person is under 21 years old; or
- Under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Further, no person may operate or attempt to operate a vessel if the person is a habitual user of any narcotic, hypnotic, somnifacient or stimulating drug. Take note that being entitled to use the drug is not a defense to BUI.
In addition, a person is prohibited from operating a vessel if he or she has refused a breath or other chemical test in the past three months.
Penalties for BUI in Kansas
Generally, if an individual violates this law, he or she will incur the following penalties:
- 1st BUI Conviction: Imprisonment for no more than one year or a fine between $100 and $500.
- 2nd or Subsequent BUI Conviction: Imprisonment between 90 days and one year and a possible fine between $100 and $500.
Keep in mind that if the person is under 21 years of age and submits to a breath or blood test and the results show a BAC is .02% or greater (but less than .08%), the person will have his or her boating privileges suspended for 30 days for a first offense and 90 days for a second offense.
In addition, most offenders will be required to complete a boating safety course as a condition of their sentence.
Missouri BWI Law
The state of Missouri will also charge boaters with BWI (boating while intoxicated) if their BAC is .08% or greater. The following are penalties associated with BWI in Missouri:
- 1st BWI Offense: This is charged as a Class B misdemeanor (this includes up to 6 months in jail and a fine for as much as $500) and the offender must also complete a boating safety course.
- 2nd BWI Offense: This is charged as a Class A misdemeanor (this includes up to 1 year in jail and a fine for as much as $1,000);
- 3rd or Subsequent BWI Offense: This is charged as a Class D felony (this includes up to 4 years in prison or one year in the county jail and a fine for no more than $5,000); and
- BWI with serious injury or death will be charged as a felony.
When an individual operates a vessel in Missouri, he or she has consented to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs when there is a question of impairment. Camden County lake patrol is well known for getting a warrant to draw blood from drivers who refuse a breath test. The policy has been effecting in prosecuting BWI cases.
In addition to BWI, possession or use of drinking devices for the rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol or any four gallon containers holding alcohol are illegal on the state's rivers with the exception of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Osage Rivers.
Do You Need Legal Representation?
If you have been arrested for BUI/BWI in Kansas or Missouri, contact the McLane Law Firm. Mr. McLane will explain the laws and advise you on your best options.
