Long Beach BUI Attorney

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 can not 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.

Need Legal Representation? Call Us Now at (800) 922-6989!

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 (800) 922-6989 to schedule your free case review with our Long Beach BUI lawyer.