BUI - Boating Under the Influence / Reckless Boating

If you have been charged with Boating Under the Influence in Washington State, you are facing criminal misdemeanor charges. Boating Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a one thousand dollar fine. The charge is called Operation of a Vessel Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor.

For a boating DUI or Reckless Boating arrest on Lake Tapps, Gig Harbor, American Lake, Puyallup, or another part of Pierce County or King County, it is likely that you will be charged in criminal court. Cristine Beckwith is an experienced BUI defense attorney located in Tacoma, WA who will fight to protect your rights.

BUI vs DUI

• Boating Under the Influence is a misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. A DUI conviction has a maximum punishment of up to a year in jail and a $5000 fine.
• A BUI conviction does not require that the judge impose mandatory jail time or fines. A drunk driving conviction has mandatory penalties.
• A BUI conviction does not have driver's license consequences, unlike a Driving Under the Influence conviction or an administrative action against a person for  DWI.
• A boating DWI conviction does not carry with it any ignition interlock requirements. A DUI conviction requires at least a one year Ignition Interlock requirement.
• During a Boating Under the Influence arrest, if you refuse a breath or blood test there will be no driver's license suspension. In a DUI case there are mandatory driver's license suspensions for those who refuse a breath or blood test. If you are in a vessel and are asked by the police to provide a breath or blood test, we recommend that you respectfully refuse to provide the evidence against yourself and ask to speak to a criminal defense attorney.
  
• For a BUI case, there are no mandatory enhanced penalties for multiple drunk boating offenses. In a DUI case, there are mandatory increased penalties for each additional Driving Under the Influence conviction.

Experienced and Effective Boating Defense Attorney

A watercraft DUI should not be taken lightly. It will be on your criminal record. If you have been charged with Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor in Tacoma, Seattle, Federal Way, Lakewood, or another area in King County or Pierce County, you need an experienced boating defense lawyer that will fight for your rights. Cristine Beckwith is available to discuss the circumstances of your arrest for BUI or for Operation of a Vessel in a Reckless Manner (Reckless Boating).