With summer in full swing and the 4^th of July just around the corner, the opportunity of getting charged with a BUI is high.  A BUI or ‘Boating Under the Influence' is much like a DUI but involves operating watercrafts, such as boats, jet skis, or any other recreational crafts, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, legal or illegal. 

A BUI offense, like a DUI, occurs when an individual's blood alcohol content is over the legal limit of .08%.  BUIs are typically investigated using the same DUI methods, field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and blood alcohol tests.  In some states, there is a zero tolerance policy for minors consuming alcohol while operating a watercraft.  This means that a minor may be charged with a BUI even if they have only consumed a small amount of alcohol.

Law enforcement will often set up BUI checkpoints on bodies of water or perform routine stops to check for alcohol consumption.  This is especially common on holiday or particularly busy weekends.  Officers tend to look for erratic or unsafe driving practices, such as actions that put other boats in danger or not following the speed limit.

Being charged with a BUI may result in fines or jail time depending on how severe the offense was or the driver's blood alcohol level.  Boaters may also face the consequence of losing their boating license or having it suspended.  Additional boating safety courses or alcohol education classes may also be required by the courts before a driver can get their license back.

If you are charged with a BUI, a DUI attorney who knows California DUI and BUI laws inside and out can help you avoid the high costs a DUI or BUI. Jones Law has extensive negotiation and trial experience in DUI and BUI cases. Let us use our knowledge to defend your rights and freedom.