Serious Injury by Vessel

Boating is a popular activity throughout Georgia. However, what started out as a fun day could turn into a life changing event if you are charged with serious injury by vessel. A boating accident could be the result of many mishaps but it you or a loved one has been charged with serious injury by vessel in Georgia, you need to call our office immediately. It is critical to seek legal representation immediately upon arrest as there is no time to waste. Our attorneys have been defending DUI and related charges for over 25 years.

Georgia Law On Serious Injury By Vessel

Under O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12.4,

A person will be found guilty of serious injury by a vessel when without malice, they cause bodily harm to another by depriving him or her of a member of his or her body, by rendering a member of his or her body useless, by seriously disfiguring his or her body or a member thereof, or by causing organic brain damage which renders the body or any member thereof useless through the violation of any of the following actions:

• Operating a boat at greater than idle speed within 100 feet of an anchored vessel, a dock, public swimming area, restaurant, or other public use area;
• Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Operating a vessel in reckless disregard for the safety of others

In simpler terms, a person must be guilty of one of the above offenses before they can be convicted of serious injury by a vessel. If your Georgia Serious Injury by Vessel Lawyer can get the initial charge dropped such as DUI, then you could not be convicted of serious injury by vessel.

Penalty for Serious Injury by Vessel in Georgia

A person convicted under of serious injury by vessel shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a prison term between one and five years. The defendant will also lose their boating privileges for three years. However, felony convictions extend beyond the prison time and fines. Having a felony conviction on your record can make it difficult to find housing, obtain employment, or obtain credit. To ensure you receive the best defense possible, contact our Georgia Serious Injury by Vessel Attorneys today.

How A Georgia Serious Injury by Vessel Attorney Can Help You Today

Don't make the mistake of thinking there are no defenses available to you or there is no hope for your case. There are always arguments our lawyers can make on your behalf! There are critical elements that must be proven in order for you to be convicted and our attorneys are proficient in creating gaps in the prosecution's case. They work hard to defend against the initial charge so you are unable to be convicted for the serious injury by vessel charge. However, there is no time to waste! The more time that goes by could result in an unintentional waiver of your rights, loss of witnesses, misplaced evidence, and more. Contact us now!

Call Us Today

If you or a loved one have been charged with serious injury by vessel, call us now. We are waiting to assist with your case and get you back to living your life. Don't let a mistake effect the rest of your life. Call our serious injury by vessel lawyers today!