Item: Los Angeles DUI Lawyers Hoffman and Associates
Rating: 5
Author: Micaiah Botts

California Driving Under The Influence While Operating A Boat

Boating Under the Influence in California

Just as there are DUI (driving under the influence) laws in California, there are also laws against boating under the influence (BUI). These laws make it a crime to operate a boat or personal watercraft (such as a jet ski) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Federal and state authorities can pull the operator of a boat or other watercraft over, just like on the highway or street, if you are suspected of drunk driving on the water. They may also set up BUI checkpoints on the water, just like roadside DUI checkpoints, to question and check boat and watercraft operators.

The consequences of a California BUI offense are similar to those for aCalifornia DUI offense, and may include steep fines and penalties. At Hoffman & Associates, our experienced criminal defense lawyers understand the laws relating to boating under the influence in California and can aggressively defend you against such charges.

California Boating Laws Covering BUI

With so many rivers, lakes, bays and the beautiful Pacific Ocean as our coast, boating is a popular recreational activity in California. The problem is many people aren't aware of the laws that govern the waterways. Boating under the influence is criminalized under California Harbors and Navigation Code 655. Under this section, there are several laws that regulate boating and drinking:

Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a misdemeanor and could carry a penalty of one year in the county jail, or a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.
Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and causing injury to another person may be ruled a felony by the courts and could carry a penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and causing death to another person is a felony and could carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
A person arrested for operating a motorboat under the influence may be requested to take a blood or breath test to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Refusal to take the test may result in increased penalties (fine, or jail, or both) if convicted. A BAC of .08% presumes intoxication, a BAC of .05% but less than .08% may be used with other evidence to determine intoxication.
A person under 21 with a BAC of .01% or more may not operate any motorized vessel, or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or similar device.
Previous alcohol- or drug-related convictions of vehicle and vessel operators can be used to enhance penalties for persons convicted of subsequent vehicle or vessel violations.
A person convicted of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs must be ordered by the court to take and pass a boating safety course.
If you are convicted of operating a vessel while intoxicated, the California Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke your vehicle driver's license for a period of 6 months to 5 years, depending upon the number and type of vehicle and/or vessel violations accumulated.

An Aggressive Defense Against BUI Charges in California

If you've been charged with BUI, the knowledgeable DUI attorneys at Hoffman & Associates will fight for your rights and defend your good reputation. Defense against a charge of operating a boat under the influence requires an understanding of the complex laws and evidence in such a case. Different factors can affect a boat operator's physical and mental abilities while on the water. These include heat, sun, noise, wind, glare, and the motion of a boat on the water for a long period of time. It's best to hire an attorney who specializes in BUI and DUI law in California.

For more than 30 years, our skilled DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys have appeared in courtrooms throughout California. We care about protecting your freedom and good record, and offer a phone or office consultation to discuss your boating under the influence case. Contact the offices of Hoffman & Associates today and put our years of valuable experience to work for you.

★★★★★

I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts

My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin

Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown

I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.

I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez

Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.

Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.

I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.

I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.

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