A man in St. Johns County, Florida was arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol, or BUI, after he was stopped for a fishing license check and the officer suspected that he was intoxicated, according to an article on News4Jax.com. During the summer months in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida areas, we see an increase in BUI cases to go along with the increased number of people boating and fishing in the local waters. Some people may think that a BUI charge is not very serious, but the laws relating to BUI can make that criminal charge as serious as the laws relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or DUI.
There are, however, differences in how a BUI case is prosecuted and how it is defended by a criminal defense lawyer. The issues related to when an officer is permitted to stop a boater are different as are the issues related to the officer’s determination as to whether the boater is actually impaired. If you have been arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol (BUI), it is a serious charge, but there are defenses. If you have any questions about a BUI charge, feel free to call us for a free consultation.