Like every state in the U.S., California has strict Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws that protect citizens. However, you may need to know that the same laws involving operating a watercraft while intoxicated exist. Known as Boating Under the Influence (BUI), the charges can be as severe as driving a vehicle under the influence, so hiring an experienced, aggressive attorney is essential. Eason & Tambornini brings 25 years of experience and may be able to help you.
The Aftermath of Getting a BUI
Getting a BUI charge is as serious as a vehicle DUI on Folsom Lake or any other body of water. The significant financial consequences include fines, lawsuits, and loss of income if you lose your job. You may also face jail time, a criminal record, and higher insurance rates. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the psychological effects of living with the reality of seriously injuring someone, or even worse, causing death, can be overwhelming and life-changing.
Are BUI Charges Becoming More Common?
BUI laws have been implemented over the years to keep pace with the rise in the number of injuries and fatalities that intoxicated boating creates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than half of boating accidents involve alcohol or drugs, and alcohol is the number one cause of fatal watercraft accidents.
What Types of Watercraft Are Included?
Any vessel or object operating on the water, whether it includes a motor, qualifies as a watercraft, including boats and yachts (motor and sail), jet skis, paddle boards, windsurfers, and even surfboards. Additionally, suppose you are water skiing behind a boat, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and directly involved in an accident. In that case, you can receive a BUI and be prohibited from operating (using) water skis in the future.
Just like on the road, if you are operating a watercraft and suspected by a law enforcement officer as being under the influence, even if an accident does not occur, you can be detained, given field sobriety tests, and arrested, just as you would be if you were driving a vehicle. Also, like driving a car, BUI checkpoints can be set up on bodies of water such as rivers and lakes.
Criminal Consequences of a BUI
In addition to potentially having a criminal record, recreational boat owners can have their licenses suspended or revoked. If you get multiple BUIs, the consequences are more severe with each one, and the consequences are also more serious depending on a person’s blood alcohol level (BAC). A person younger than 21 in California with a BAC of .01 percent or more cannot even use water skis.
Experienced Attorneys Are Available
Eason & Tambornini Folsom, personal injury attorneys, have decades of experience representing people who have received alcohol-related incidents and may be able to help you. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (916) 438-1819.
