Riverside BUI Information Attorney

One of the most common misconceptions we hear at the law offices of the Riverside DUI attorney is that drunk driving laws only apply to automobiles. This is simply not true!

California’s drunk driving laws extend to any vehicle, and that includes recreational vehicles such as ATVs and boats. While Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is not as common as DUI, it is just as serious.

Any type of erratic boating such as speeding, right of way violations, or suspicious driving that catches the attention of harbor police could get you into legal trouble. BUI stops are similar to DUI stops in that the harbor police will attempt to gage your level of intoxication by administering field sobriety tests, chemical tests, and asking you a series of questions.

There are four types of BUI charges, Simple BUI, BUI with a BAC of .08% or higher, Aggravated BUI, and Manslaughter While Intoxicated.

Simple BUI is the most common form of BUI, where your BAC level is below 05%. It is charged as a misdemeanor and usually merits a small fine under $1000, a mandatory drug and alcohol program and up to six months in jail.

If you or your loved one has been arrested for driving drunk while in a boat, it is in your best interest to hire one of our Riverside DUI attorneys to represent you. Contact us for a consultation today.