September 1, 2015
Many enjoy Florida’s wealth of water by using boats and jet skis. However, operating boats and other recreational watercraft under the influence of alcohol, or any other substance that causes mental impairment, can result in a BUI.
Boating under the influence (BUI) is a serious offense in Florida, and a BUI conviction can include jail time and hefty fines.
BUI Penalties in Florida
Under Florida law, a person convicted of a BUI, even if it is their first offense, can be subjected to the following penalties:
– A fine of up to $1,000, including a statutory fine to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program
– A jail sentence of up to one year
– Mandatory probation for a minimum of one year
– Mandatory substance abuse evaluation and treatment if necessary
– Mandatory 50 hours of community service
– Mandatory impounding of the vessel for 10 days
Additional offenses have more severe penalties attached to them. It is also very important to understand that if the initial arrest for BUI involved an accident or someone being injured, the penalties can be very severe, even for first time offenders.
BUI Defense
If you are facing a boating under the influence charge, it is in your best interest to seek aggressive legal representation. A BUI defense attorney can help you fight these charges and try to prevent conviction.
There are several reasons that a BUI arrest may not have been valid. Your defense attorney will review every aspect of the arrest to determine if your rights have been violated and if the arrest was valid. Your attorney will also review the evidence, such as the sobriety exercise (BUI sobriety exercises differ from DUI sobriety exercises), to determine if it was administered correctly and if the results were valid. Each of these aspects can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
Turn to the Khonsari Law Group for BUI Defense
If you are facing a BUI charge, you are encouraged to contact the Khonsari Law Group for a case evaluation. You do not have to face these serious charges alone. Protect your rights and have your case reviewed today.