Los Angeles BUI Lawyer

Boating Under the Influence Defense in LA

Many people overlook the fact that DUI laws apply to the operation of all motor vehicles, not just the ones you typically see on the road. Boating activities, especially during the warmer months, are often accompanied by alcohol and other behavior considered dangerous by the state of California. While less common than DUI charges, BUI charges are just as serious.

According to the California Harbors & Navigation Code, BUI charges apply to the operation of a boat, water skis, aquaplane, or any similar equipment while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Similar to DUI law, BUI law states a person may not have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or above as measured by a blood or breath test when operating a water device. If you are operating a commercial boat, much like operating a commercial vehicle on the road, you are not permitted to have a BAC of 0.04% or greater. More severe charges and/or consequences can result if another person is injured as a result of you operating a boat under the influence.

Fighting Your BUI- Related Charges

Unlike DUI law, you are allowed to have open containers of alcohol on a boat. Drivers and passengers are permitted to have and consume alcohol and are only in violation of the law if operating the watercraft while under the influence. In order to convict you of BUI, a prosecutor must utilize the manner in which you were operating the boat or water equipment, your physical appearance, your performance on field sobriety tests and the results of a chemical blood or breath test.

If you are facing BUI charges in Los Angeles, the legal team at The Law Offices of Robert Schwartz is prepared to aggressively defend your rights. The penalties for a BUI can include thousands of dollars in fines, boat license suspension, revocation of your boat permit, revocation of your driver's license, and jail time. It is crucial that you contact the firm as soon as possible to ensure that they can build you the best defense possible. They will thoroughly review the evidence against you and determine the best strategy.

Contact a Los Angeles BUI attorney from the Law Offices of Robert Schwartz if you are currently facing BUI charges.