Boating Under The Influence is the on the water equivalent of driving under the influence and is considered a serious offense. Individuals may be flagged due to erratic operation of a watercraft or they may be stopped in a sweep or general check that a coast guard vessel or a police boat may make on any body of water. Blood alcohol tests can be required as well as field sobriety tests and general observation of the boat operator.
Boating Under The Influence Penalties
Each state has different laws and fines when it comes to what constitutes boating under the influence and what penalties can be imposed. Fines will vary, depending on the location and the number of prior charges. Some states also allow options for jail time of up to 10 years for a third offense or up to 180 days for a first.
Possible Penalties
- Fines of $500 to up to $10,000
- Jail time
- Suspension of boating and drivers license
- Community service
- Drug and alcohol classes
- Probation
- Random urine testing
Boating Under The Influence Sentencing
Like DUI, courts tend to take into consideration several factors when sentencing for boating under the influence charges. The biggest factors typically include the Testimony of the arresting officer(s) as well as the blood alcohol test results and any prior history with DUI or boating under the influence charges. An attorney can help reduce the charges by understanding proper procedure, knowing the limitations or potential issues with blood alcohol tests as well as understanding the court system with these types of charges.
Can A Lawyer Help With Boating Under The Influence Charges?
In many states boating under the influence is as serious as a DUI and you need to have the best defense you possibly can to minimize or have the case thrown out of court. A professional criminal defense attorney that is familiar with defending boating under the influence charges will explain the process to you as well as help you understand options you may wish to consider as options to going to court.
- If you have been charged with a BUI: Boating Under the Influence, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney.
