Jacksonville BUI Information Lawyer
Nearly everyone these days is aware that drinking and driving is against the law, but how about drinking and boating? Not enough people know this, but boating under the influence (BUI) is a very real law. In fact, it actually carries many of the same penalties as driving under the influence. According to Florida Statute § 327.35:
- (1) A person is guilty of the offense of boating under the influence and is subject to punishment as provided in subsection (2) if the person is operating a vessel within this state and:
- (a) The person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any substance controlled under chapter 893, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired;
- (b) The person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or
- (c) The person has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
According to this same statute, if you are caught boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could face up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail for even a first conviction.
A good Jacksonville DUI lawyer knows that a BUI case can be much more difficult to prove than a simple DUI, simply due to the nature of boating. The prosecutor must prove not only that you were operating the boat, but that you were intoxicated while you were operating it. The attorneys with our firm conduct thorough investigations of every case, working hard to compile evidence that can cast doubt on this scenario.
If you have been arrested and charged with BUI or boating under the influence, there is hope. With the right attorney behind you, you can beat your charges. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a top Jacksonville DUI lawyer today.
