Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton
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On the evening of August 2, 2008, two best friends went out boating in Chesapeake, Virginia (VA), on the Elizabeth River. Only one man came back.
Two years later Kurt J. Riffey stood before the court and was convicted of boating while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter for a crash that killed his best friend. The judge sentenced Riffey on Monday to a year in jail, with alcohol counseling, and a $350 fine. He suspended 10 years' imprisonment and his boating privileges indefinitely, the Virginian-Pilot reported.
"You were a drunken guided missile on that river that night," Judge Forehand told Riffey.
Virginia law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI). That is, it is illegal to operate any boat, sailboat or personal watercraft or to manipulate any water skis, sailboard or similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substance or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.
Our condolences go out to his family who are no doubt still grieving the loss of their son especially during this holiday season. It just goes to show that when you get behind the wheel of a car, or even a boat while intoxicated, you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.
CA.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling wrongful death cases. We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if your family member or loved one was killed as a result of someone else's carelessness.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Form since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Shapiro and Lewis have also been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers are chosen for this professional honor. In addition, ours was the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms.
Our VA personal injury firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential case consultations, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.
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I've been a boater for 20yrs and the nonsense that goes on on the water is ridiculous! I encourage everyone to take a boating safety course. They can be taken online and this one is narrated, there's no excuse!!! http://BOATERexam.com/USA/