About Boating Under the Influence Charges

Fresno Boating Under the Influence Defense Attorney

In California, the laws governing the operation of a watercraft while under the influence are essentially the same as the DUI laws for motor vehicles.  The blood alcohol concentration must be below .08 percent to be legal, and if you are operating a commercial watercraft, the limit is .04 percent.  Boating is a dangerous sport and because most individuals are not out on the water on a regular basis, their ability to operate a boat is not equal to their ability to operate a motor vehicle, leading to extremely serious accidents when they do occur.  Boating accidents often result in fatalities or serious injuries, including brain damage because the victim was under water for a time after being knocked from a boat and rendered unconscious.  Being arrested and charged with Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a serious charge.  If convicted, it will count as a prior DUI on any subsequent DUI offense you may be charged with.  

BUI Defense Lawyer in Fresno

Operating a boat while under the influence is a crime.  There are almost one million boats and other watercrafts registered in California, and there are numerous recreational boating sites around the Fresno area.  At areas like Bass Lake, Millerton Lake, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Lake, and the Kings River, law enforcement officers are on the lookout for individuals boating under the influence.  Mr. Andritch has been a recreational boater since early childhood, and is intimately familiar with boating rules and regulations.  While the consequences of a BUI charge are similar to those of a DUI charge, there are some subtle differences and not all DUI attorneys are aware of those differences.  For example, a BUI arrest does not trigger the suspension of your driver's license with the DMV.  Also, it may be possible to enter a diversion program for a BUI.  Mr. Andritch is a proven Fresno BUI defense attorney, and is familiar with all aspects of BUI charges. 

There are defense options available to those charged in a boating under the influence case.  Mr. Andritch will thoroughly review your case and the evidence against you, and will advise you of what strategy is best employed to help you defend against the charges.

Contact a Fresno Boating Under the Influence Defense Attorney  Brian Andritch today.