Fort Lauderdale BUI Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale BUI Attorney

Enjoying a day on the water can be great, but sometimes the unexpected happens, and you end up facing BUI charges after a combination of events occurs. When this happens, the first thing you should do is contact a Fort Lauderdale BUI lawyer at a reputable firm such as The Kirlew Law Firm to help you navigate boating laws and handle your BUI case.

When you speak with our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer, they can go over everything that happened in your boating situation. Sometimes, a vessel is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are many situations when charges can be reduced or dropped, and our legal team can do everything in our power to build a strong defense for your case.

Hire a BUI Lawyer

Hiring a Fort Lauderdale BUI lawyer at The Kirlew Law Firm is crucial for navigating complex maritime laws, protecting your rights, and minimizing penalties. An attorney can also help with the court. When your BUI case goes through the local Broward County Clerk of Courts, our legal team can handle every step of the process, meeting all court deadlines and requirements.

At The Kirlew Law Firm, we understand how serious a BUI charge is and how life-altering BUI penalties can be. For this reason, you can rest assured knowing we can use decades of combined legal experience to work on your case when you hire a BUI lawyer from our firm. We can handle everything from complex paperwork to negotiation and courtroom representation.

When you hire a Fort Lauderdale BUI attorney on our team, you are hiring someone with sharp analytical skills, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a deep understanding of legal procedures. Going through the experience of a BUI charge can be stressful, but you do not need to handle it alone. Instead, let our firm handle all the legal complexities.

Boating Under the Influence

Boating under the influence and operating a motorized or non-notarized vessel, such as a boat, while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is illegal just as a DUI is. Like driving a car, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered illegal, and a BUI is a serious crime with heavy penalties. Law enforcement agencies, including local police, sheriff departments, and the United States Coast Guard, actively enforce BUI laws.

BUI laws cover a wide range of watercraft, including powerboats, jet skis, sailboats, and, in many cases, canoes and kayaks. A BUI can happen to anyone unintentionally. The marine environment, including sun, wind, spray, motion, and vibration, can exacerbate the effects of alcohol and drugs, making it easier for a boater to become impaired. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, being the leading factor in 20% of deaths.

Florida BUI Penalties

Florida BUI penalties are severe, mirroring DUI penalties with fines, jail time, and potential vehicle/vessel impoundment. A first offense carries up to six months in jail and $500-$1,000 in fines, while a second offense involves up to nine months in jail and $1,000-$2,000 in fines. There are enhanced penalties for high BAC levels (0.15% or higher), minors on board, or if an accident causes damage or injury.

Other penalty considerations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida include serious bodily injury in the third degree and BUI manslaughter if injuries cause death. As with a DUI, refusing a BUI breathalyzer also comes with a $500 fine and misdemeanor charge. You may also be subject to mandatory probation and completion of a boating safety course and alcohol education program.

BUI Defenses

When you speak to a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer, they can review the facts of your case to see what kind of defense applies. In general, BUI defenses focus on challenging the legality of the boat stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests conducted on water, and the reliability of BAC evidence. An experienced attorney can bring all these factors to the attention of the court.

Common BUI defense strategies include:

• Illegal stop/no probable cause
• Inaccurate field sobriety tests
• Rising blood alcohol defense
• Physical factors
• Lack of actual physical control
• Improper test procedures

Depending on the circumstances of your case, our knowledgeable BUI attorney may be able to get your charges and penalties reduced or dismissed. In addition to carefully examining all evidence on the table, our legal team can also work to make your defense sound, leaving no room for debate when it comes to your innocence.

FAQs

Is a BUI As Serious as a DUI?

A BUI in Florida is considered just as serious as a DUI, carrying similar criminal penalties, including potential jail time, heavy fines, mandatory probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record. Penalties escalate based on BAC, prior convictions, and whether injury occurred, often resulting in vessel impoundment and, in serious cases, felony charges.

What Happens if You Get a BUI in Florida?

Getting a BUI in Florida with a BAC of 0.08% or higher results in serious penalties like a DUI. Consequences for a first offense include up to six months in jail, $500-$1,000 in fines, 10-day vessel impoundment, probation, and mandatory boater safety courses. When you speak to a Fort Lauderdale BUI attorney, they can review your case and discuss your options.

How Much Is a BUI in Florida?

In Florida, the costs of a BUI conviction vary widely depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense, the severity of the circumstances, and whether the offense caused injury or property damage. Fines can range from $500 for a first offense up to $10,000 for a felony BUI manslaughter conviction.

Does a BUI Affect Your Driver’s License in Florida?

A BUI conviction in Florida does not usually trigger an automatic, immediate suspension of your driver’s license, but it does directly affect your driving record, and it can have an impact on your ability to drive. Essentially, a BUI acts as a prior offense for future DUI penalties, and serious, repeated, or injury-related offenses can lead to license suspension or revocation.

Fort Lauderdale BUI Lawyer

When you need to hire a Fort Lauderdale BUI lawyer to help you navigate complicated boating laws and to handle your BUI case, The Kirlew Law Firm has your back. With decades of combined legal experience and a compassionate approach, we are here to build a strong defense. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.