Boating Under the Influence

Brennan Defense, LLP is one of Sacramento's premier criminal defense firms, with particular experience handling boating under the influence cases throughout Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, and Yolo Counties. In California, boating under the influence (sometimes also called BUI) is a very serious offense. If you have been charged with boating under the influence, it is crucial to obtain the best defense representation possible to ensure that your rights are protected and to provide the best chance for a successful result.

The law takes boating under the influence just as seriously as drunk driving and DUIs. Under the Harbors and Navigation Code, it is against the law to operate any kind of boating vessel, including water skis, aquaplanes, or any similar type of device if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Similar to driving under the influence, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration for boating under the influence is .08. Unless you are operating a recreational boat, the legal limit for other types of vessels is a .04 blood alcohol concentration.

Harsh Punishments for BUI Convictions

The punishments for boating under the influence are similar to those for driving under the influence and can include large fines, jail time, and probation, even if you are only charged with a misdemeanor. If someone was injured or killed as a result of the boating under the influence, the punishments are much more severe.

A BUI conviction counts as a prior conviction if you are convicted of a subsequent DUI within ten years. This is potentially important because the punishments for a subsequent DUI offense are significantly harsher than the punishments for a first offense.

Hire Experienced BUI Defense Attorneys

With more than 20 years of combined experience as former prosecutors, we know what the district attorney will do to try to convict you, and we know the intricacies in the law that might lead to achieving a successful result. As Sacramento criminal attorneys, we are also experienced plea negotiators and can seek to help you avoid jail time or plead down to a lesser offense. If you have been arrested, we are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and throughout your case, you will have direct contact with us. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with us, contact Brennan Defense today.