Felony BUI Charges Issued For Lake Marion Boating Accident

A weekend boating accident this past Saturday night has led to the arrest of a man on felony BUI charges.

The boating accident on Lake Marion left one man dead and resulted in felony BUI – boating under the influence – charge against another man.

Reportedly, on Saturday evening, a boat hit a buoy just outside of Eutawville, SC, around 7:30 PM. Captain Robert McCullough of the Natural Resources Department says there were four people in the boat, and three were thrown into the water. One was killed – the BUI victim’s name has not been released. The other victims involved in the BUI accident reported minor injuries.

McCullough said, “Alcohol appeared to be involved.”

Suspect Robert Davis, 43, is being held in Orangeburg County Jail on felony BUI charges. It is currently unclear if Davis has an attorney. The BUI crash is still under investigation, according to McCullough.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) In South Carolina

South Carolina DUI laws state that it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal) or any combination of alcohol and drugs. However, prosecutors must prove someone’s physical or mental ability to drive a car was impaired beyond a reasonable doubt. The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are identical to the penalties for drinking and driving.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources does not list the boating and alcohol laws among its boating regulations. Boaters beware: You can be arrested for boating, sailing, or simply being in control of your boat while under the influence.

Penalties for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) are serious and include:

• jail time,
• alcohol education programs, such as ADSAP,
• community service,
• job loss, and
• suspension from operating a water vehicle for up to 2 years.

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for both driving and boating in South Carolina is under 0.08. If your BAC is 0.08 or above, you will be assumed intoxicated. However, boaters or sailors who have a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08 may be convicted for boating under the influence when deemed intoxicated based upon other tests such as a field sobriety test.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Charges of BUI and DUI in South Carolina

Many boaters enjoy weekends or holidays on the water, especially during the 100 days of summer. Sometimes, their fun includes alcoholic beverages. However, it is important to know that South Carolina law prohibits operating any kind of motor vehicle, including a boat, under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your blood alcohol content reads 0.08 or above, you will be presumed intoxicated. If you have been charged with boating under the influence (BUI), you could feel scared or alone. These charges can be just as frightening as charges for driving under the influence. Just because you have received DUI or BUI charges does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped people who face DUI charges since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800