Boating Under the Influence: Facts That You Need To Know
With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, driving a boat can be incredibly fun. Few things are as exhilarating as skimming a boat at speed across the water. Handling watercraft, however, can be quite dangerous too, especially when you’ve had a drink or two. If you get caught driving a boat while intoxicated, you will face boating under the influence charges, which have consequences similar to a DUI.
If this is the first time you’ve heard about boating under the influence or BUI, here are some facts about this crime that you need to know.
BUI is illegal in all 50 states
Each state has its own set of laws against boating under the influence. Though they tend to have similarities, BUI state laws may differ when it comes to the penalties they slap on offenders.
Aside from these state laws, BUI is also covered by federal law, and the U.S. Coast Guard is tasked with enforcing it.
Authorities set up BUI checkpoints
If you think the likelihood of getting arrested for a BUI is low because rivers, lakes, and seas tend to be bigger than roads, think again. Authorities put up BUI checkpoints at strategic points of any given body of water. From these checkpoints, they can stop and board any boat if they suspect that its driver is intoxicated. In some states, police don’t even need probable cause to stop and board a boat to enforce their BUI laws.
Penalties for boating under the influence
The penalties for a BUI are somewhat similar to that of a DUI. There will be substantial fines, and as with DUIs, the amount may differ from state to state. The severity of the case will also be considered. So if you’re facing a misdemeanor BUI charge, you are likely going to pay up to $1,000 in fines. A felony BUI, on the other hand, could cost you $25,000 or more.
Probation of 12 months or longer is also a common punishment for BUI offenders. A court may also sentence you to a year in jail, depending on how severe your case is. If you’re facing a felony BUI, a longer prison term may be in store for you.
Never drink while driving a boat
Handling watercraft is already dangerous enough as it is. Put alcohol into the mix, and you are courting disaster not only for yourself, but also for your passengers, people on other boats, and those having fun in the water. If you are arrested for Boating Under the Influence in Miami, Florida don’t speak, don’t perform sobriety exercises, say you want an attorney before doing anything and call Miami BUI Attorney Albert Quirantes at Miami’s Ticket Law Center, a Criminal Defense Law Firm: 305-644-1800 as soon as you can. With 30 years of BUI and DUI defense experience, we’re here to help you
Learn more about BUIs by checking out the infographic published in cooperation with the Shah Law Firm below.
Albert Quirantes: Your Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer & DUI/BUI Lawyer
For over 30 years, Miami criminal defense attorney Albert M. Quirantes has been aggressively and zealously defending the rights of those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimesthroughout South Florida. With his dedicated team, reasonable legal fees, and a well-earned reputation for challenging prosecutors at every turn, he has protected over 8,000 clients during some of the roughest times of their lives.
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If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, please call us today at (305) 644-1800 or fill out our online form to arrange for your free, confidential initial consultation.
If you have any questions about this or any other criminal accusation, call Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer Albert Quirantes at: (305) 644-1800 or visit our homepage www.CriminalDefendant.com for a direct link to the office or a text message or a map and directions to our office.
Infographic Contributed By Shah Law Firm DUI Defense In Arizona
