BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (BUI)

You could be out on the water boating, riding a jet ski or even water skiing with friends and having a few drinks on the ocean - anywhere from the North Shore's Ipswich and Gloucester all the way down the coast to Cape Cod's National Seashore.  You feel like you have your boat under control, but because of an accident or some other reason, you are arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) or for having a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08% or above. 

To learn more about blood alcohol level, go to our FAQ page.

A Massachusetts BUI conviction will appear just like an OUI/DUI on your Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) record.   You could face penalties such as fines, impoundment of your boat, loss of boating and motor vehicle driving privileges, and possible jail time.

Cars and trucks are far superior to boats in their ability to brake and steer.  Additionally, sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which are common to the boating environment, can intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.  Also, a typical boater spends just a few days a year on the water, and may be far less skilled at operating watercraft than at driving a car.

Above and beyond the standard penalties for drunk driving, those convinced of BUI for the first time may be imprisoned for up to 30 months, fined up to $1,000, or imprisoned and fined.  An offender may also have his or her motor vehicle license and vessel's registration revoked for up to one year.  Repeat offenders will receive more severe penalties.

Much like OUI/DUI law, by operating a vessel on Massachusetts waters, you have given implied consent to blood/breath testing if arrested for BUI.  Anyone who refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test is subject to having their motor vehicle license and vessel's registration revoked for six months.

If you're facing Boating Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs charges, you have many unanswered questions.  The sooner you involve an aggressive and experienced BUI Defense Attorney, the better able your attorney will be to gather evidence and address the other elements of your case.

Just because you've been charged with BUI, in no way guarantees a conviction.  You may not have performed well on the field sobriety tests - simply because you were out in the sun, your eyes are bloodshot and you've been on the bouncy water all day.

Our OUI-Boating Defense Attorneys
Like to Fight - and We Fight to Win!

For a FREE Case Evaluation about your BUI charge, fill-out our online form, or call (888) 693-8434 to make an appointment at one of our local offices.  We answer our phones and return calls 24/7 - we even meet clients on Sundays!

Learn more by contacting one of our DUI Defense Lawyers.