Southern California Boating Under the Influence Attorneys

Defense for Boating Under the Influence California

Everyone knows it is against the law to drink and drive, but many people make the mistake of thinking the same is not true when they step aboard a watercraft. The fact is that it is every bit as illegal to operate a watercraft after drinking alcohol or using drugs, whether you are in a small motorboat or if you are piloting a yacht or a barge.

Boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol is, if anything, even more dangerous than drinking and driving, given factors such as the difficulty of coming to an immediate stop, the bobbing motion of the water, the sun reflecting of the water’s surface, and the likelihood of becoming dehydrated after hours under the sun.

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that BUI increases the risk of being involved in fatal accident, and that more than half of all such deaths occur when the victim either capsizes the boat or falls overboard.

Penalties for Boating Under the Influence in CA

An arrest for BUI cannot only ruin your day, it can have a tremendously negative impact on your future. For a first time offense, you could be fined up to $1,000 in fines and be sent to jail for as long as 6 months. The penalty is increased to a $5,000 fine if you are accused of causing injury in an accident while boating under the influence; if it is a fatal accident, you can be sent to prison for up to 10 years on a felony conviction. In addition, the Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke your license for anywhere from six months to five years.

Understanding Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Laws in California

Attorney giving legal advice during a meeting

Boating under the influence (BUI) is a serious offense in California, with potential legal and financial consequences. It is important to understand the laws and penalties associated with BUI to protect yourself and others while out on the water.

Some key points to consider about BUI in California include:

Legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for operating a vessel
Penalties for BUI, including fines, jail time, and suspension of boating privileges
The importance of legal representation and defense for BUI charges

Our experienced BUI attorneys at West Coast Defense are well-versed in California’s BUI laws and can provide the legal representation and guidance you need to navigate through a BUI case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your BUI defense options.

Need Legal Representation? Call Us Now at 949-603-2446!

Call West Coast Defense as early as possible after your arrest for a free consultation about the charges you face and strategies we can use to fight for you. Many of the same DUI defense strategies apply in this type of case, such as challenging the legality of the law enforcement investigation, cross-examining the investigating officer to find errors in the administration of the field sobriety tests, and raising doubts about the accuracy of the breath or blood test. We have a unique insight into how these cases are handled and where to look for evidence.

Let us fight for you! Call 949-603-2446 to schedule your free case review with our Long Beach BUI lawyer.

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Commonly Asked Questions

What are the penalties for boating under the influence in California?

An arrest for BUI in California can result in fines of up to $1,000 for a first-time offense, and up to $5,000 if injury is caused in an accident. In the case of a fatal accident, a felony conviction can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years. Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke the offender’s license for six months to five years.

What are the dangers of boating under the influence?

Boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol is particularly dangerous due to factors such as the difficulty of coming to an immediate stop, the bobbing motion of the water, the sun’s reflection on the water’s surface, and the likelihood of dehydration after prolonged sun exposure. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that BUI increases the risk of being involved in fatal accidents.

Why is it important to seek legal representation for a BUI case?

Legal representation is crucial in a BUI case as it can have a significant impact on the individual’s future. Seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney can help in understanding the charges faced and developing strategies to fight for the individual’s rights. Additionally, an attorney can provide unique insights into how BUI cases are handled and where to look for evidence.