What is a BUI or Boating Under the Influence?

Hundreds of people are arrested every year for BUI on the Emerald Coast. Destin, Florida is a particular hotspot for FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and Coast Guard patrols during the summer months, especially near Crab Island. Knowing what leads to an arrest can certainly help prevent it from ever happening to you. Very similar to Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is also punishable under Florida law. A BUI is charged under Florida Statute Section 327.35(1), and requires that the operator of the vessel have under a .08 blood alcohol level (BAC). Florida law enforcement takes boating safety seriously, as Florida leads the nation for highest number of boat deaths per year. That is probably why officers charge boat operators with BUI at a prolific rate.

When charged with a BUI, there are a variety of things that will happen. A BUI charge is a criminal offense, and will remain on your criminal record. On top of that, there are fines associated with the charge itself, potential jail time, community service mandates, required alcohol courses, the impounding of your boat, and to top it all off, court costs.

However, it’s not uncommon for a BUI charge to be either lessened or dismissed entirely. For that reason, it’s imperative that you hire an aggressive defense attorney to handle your BUI defense. If you’ve been arrested for a BUI, give me a call at (850) 362-6655 for a FREE consultation.

 

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