Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

In many states, not only can you get yourself into trouble by drunk driving, you can also find yourself with criminal misdemeanors for boating while you are drunk! The official term for this is “Operation of a Vessel Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor.”

Below is a list of some of the differences in getting a BUI versus a DUI:

1) Boating under the influence is a misdemeanor with maximum punishment of 90 days in prison with a $1000 fine.

2) A judge is not required to give a mandatory jail sentence or fine.

3) No driver’s licensing consequences are imposed for getting a boating under the influence charge.

4) Ignition interlock devices are not required after getting a BUI.

5) Breath tests are not required if you are arrested for boating under the influence.

6) Multiple BUI’s do not have additional mandatory punishments associated with them.

Getting arrested for boating under the influence is not a laughing matter. If you find yourself in this situation it is very important that you retain an experienced BUI attorney to guide you through the process and protect your rights.