Boating Under the influence & Criminal Attorneys
California State legislation considers a watercraft to be similar, legally, to automobiles. Due to this definition, boating under the influence (BUI) laws are nearly identical to driving under the influence (DUI) laws.
You can be arrested for a BUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is over:
0.08% and you are controlling a recreational vessel.
0.04% and you are controlling a commercial watercraft.
If you have been arrested for boating under the influence, you need to act fast to protect your rights. Law enforcement will be eager to see you convicted, for a boating accident is generally far more dangerous than an automobile accident, and being intoxicated while driving a boat can increase the chances of a crash. Start thinking about how you can protect yourself from the charges now by getting a free case evaluation from our BUI lawyers at Wapner & Jones, P.C.
Boating Areas Around Fresno
There are around one million boats and watercraft registered in California and an unknown amount of unregistered vessels. Surprisingly to some, Fresno County actually has numerous lakes and rivers, especially to the northeast in the national park regions. This makes the area a popular destination for recreational boating.
Local waterways include:
- Bass Lake
- Huntington Lake
- Shaver Lake
- Pine Flat Lake
- Millerton Lake
- Kings River
Law enforcement will patrol these areas, looking for anyone who might be enjoying drinks on their boats with friends and family. During the summer season, you can expect their patrols to increase in frequency and intensity. It is important to remember your rights as a boater with a registered vehicle and request to see a warrant if your vessel is searched for evidence of alcohol.
Defend Your Rights with an Experienced BUI Attorney
Our attorneys are completely familiar with the rules and regulations of boating, including boating under the influence charges and accusations. As accomplished DUI attorneys, they are further able to improve their services to our BUI clients by bringing decades of experience to the table.
Contact us today and we can talk about your legal options.