Boating Under the Influence

San Diego BUI Charges

With great weather year around and easy access to the ocean and bays, San Diego is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Mission Bay is known as a fun and convenient place for recreational boating. On any given day, all types of recreational boaters can be seen zipping around the bay on ski boats, jet skis, sail boats and yachts. Many of these people like to enjoy having a few beers or cocktails while they soak up the sun. They may not think they are too intoxicated to safely operate their vessel, and many of them have no idea they are breaking the law.

In San Diego, and throughout the United States, it is illegal to operate any motor-driven boat with a BAC (Blood-Alcohol Content) of .08% or more. Boaters who are stopped by law enforcement on the water and appear to be intoxicated are subject to a field sobriety test to determine their intoxication level. If it is determined by law enforcement that you may be legally intoxicated based on the field sobriety tests, you may be subjected to chemical tests like a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test. If the test results show a BAC level of .08% or more, you will likely be arrested for a BUI (Boating Under the Influence). San Diego DUI attorney James Bickford works exclusively in DUI and BUI defense.

A BUI conviction will not only affect your boat driving privileges, it will start a criminal record the same as a DUI charge. Penalties for a BUI conviction are possible jail time, alcohol programs, and significant fines. In the state of California, a BUI will appear on your DMV driving record the same as a DUI. If convicted, YOU CAN LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO DRIVE A CAR. A BUI should be considered just as serious as a DUI.

Attorney James Bickford has successfully defended countless individuals charged with DUI's and BUI's in San Diego since 2000. Mr. Bickford handles ONLY drunk driving charges and is often consulted by other attorneys due to his wide range of knowledge in this field. Don't risk your freedom and driving privileges by going to court alone. Call the San Diego Law Offices of James Bickford for a FREE CONSULTATION on your drunk driving charge at 619.702.7400. Our first goal is to get your case dismissed. If that cannot be done, we will fight to have the charges against you reduced to make this as painless as possible for you.