Florida has one of the largest coastlines in the nation, making it an attractive place for boaters across the country. Our state has over 1,200 miles of beaches. This blessing can easily be turned into a curse though when drunk boaters hit the waters. These intoxicated boat operators are responsible for over 20% of all deadly boating accidents nationwide. 15 people die due to drunk boating every year in Florida. The state’s legislators and police have stepped up enforcement of our boating laws to help fight this dangerous practice. If you have been accused of Boating Under The Influence, please speak with a Tampa DUI attorney immediately.
When you have been stopped for a suspicion of BUI, it is very similar to a driving stop. Your Tampa DUI lawyer recommends you refuse all preliminary sobriety tests and breathalyzers. When you are arrested, take the breathalyzer test. Just like a DUI, your BAC cannot be above 0.08% while boating. The limit for underage drinkers is 0.02%.
If you are convicted of a BUI, you will face very serious sentencing, which is why it is always so important to only work with a top drunk driving defense in Tampa Florida. Anyone convicted of a first-time BUI will face $250-$500 in fines and be forced to spend up to six months in jail.
Tampa DUI lawyer Robin Fuson has experience fighting all types of driving and boating cases and he knows what to do when a client is accused of a BUI. He will work to show the fallacies of the breathalyzer test and, if you took them, the problems with field sobriety tests. Like any good Tampa DUI attorney, he will also ensure your constitutional rights were not violated and that the police officer did not stop you or search you without a valid reason.
If you have been accused of a BUI, please call our offices today.