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Boating Under the Influence in Nevada

How Nevada law treats boating under the influence (bui): what is illegal, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Operating a motorboat or sailing vessel under way while under the influence of alcohol, or with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (or with set levels of certain drugs), is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $1,000). NRS 488.410, 488.420, 488.427; NRS 193.130, 193.140, 193.150

Boating under the influence (BUI)Operating a motorboat or sailing vessel under way while under the influence of alcohol, or with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (or with set levels of certain drugs), is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $1,000). If it causes death, it is a category B felony with 2 to 25 years (5 to 25 with one or two prior offenses) and a $2,000 to $5,000 fine; substantial bodily harm carries 2 to 20 years and the same fine, with no suspended sentence or probation. A later violation by someone previously convicted of the felony offense is a category B felony with 2 to 15 years.
The 0.08 limit applies until the federal 0.08 requirement is repealed, after which the statute's alternate version sets 0.10. Penalties: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-488.html#NRS488Sec420, https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-488.html#NRS488Sec427. Category and misdemeanor penalties: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-193.html

More Nevada criminal law

FAQ

What is the penalty for boating under the influence in Nevada?
Operating a motorboat or sailing vessel under way while under the influence of alcohol, or with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (or with set levels of certain drugs), is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $1,000). If it causes death, it is a category B felony with 2 to 25 years (5 to 25 with one or two prior offenses) and a $2,000 to $5,000 fine; substantial bodily harm carries 2 to 20 years and the same fine, with no suspended sentence or probation. A later violation by someone previously convicted of the felony offense is a category B felony with 2 to 15 years.
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer for boating under the influence (bui) in Nevada?
Nevada's rule on court-appointed lawyers: A defendant charged with a public offense who is unable to employ counsel makes an oral request to the district judge, justice of the peace, municipal judge or master; the request 'must be accompanied by the defendant's affidavit' stating that the defendant lacks means to employ an attorney and setting out specific facts about the financial disability. The judge or master must forthwith consider the application, may make further inquiry, and if satisfied that the defendant lacks means and that representation is required, appoints counsel. The section sets no numeric income cutoff and no fee to the defendant. NRS 171.188
How much does a lawyer for boating under the influence (bui) cost in Nevada?
Lawyers set their own fees, and Nevada has rules on how they may charge. See hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Nevada for fee rules, how to check a lawyer's license and free help.
What happens after an arrest for boating under the influence (bui) in Nevada?
How release before trial works in Nevada: 'A person arrested for an offense other than murder of the first degree must be admitted to bail' (NRS 178.484(1)); a person arrested for first-degree murder may be admitted to bail unless the proof is evident or the presumption great (NRS 178.484(4)). The court must hold a pretrial release determination 'within 48 hours after a person has been taken into custody' (NRS 178.4849). Bail or release conditions may be imposed only as 'the least restrictive means necessary to protect the safety of the community', with findings explaining why (NRS 178.4851). In setting bail, the court must consider 'The financial ability of the defendant to give bail,' the nature of the offense, the defendant's character, and the NRS 178.4853 factors (NRS 178.498), which include length of residence in the community, employment history, prior criminal record, and danger to the victim or community. Certain arrests (for example, some domestic battery offenses) may not be admitted to bail sooner than 12 hours after arrest. NRS 178.484, 178.4849, 178.4851, 178.4853, 178.498 What happens after an arrest.
Can a conviction for boating under the influence (bui) be removed from my record in Nevada?
Each state sets its own rules for sealing or expunging records. See Nevada expungement and record sealing rules.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.