Set on the idyllic Manatee River in the State of Florida, Bradenton is a popular city destination for boating and boating parties. As a result, the number of people boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol is relatively high. If you are caught boating under the influence (BUI), then you could be facing serious punishments and life-changing consequences.
If you have been caught and arrested for BUI in Bradenton, then it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a reputable law firm as soon as possible. At The Law Place, we have a team of dedicated attorneys with a vast range of collective knowledge and experience. Our Bradenton criminal defense lawyers will help to ensure you receive the best outcome possible, which may see your charges reduced or even dropped. Call us today to receive a free consultation from an adept criminal defense attorney. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can phone us at a time that suits you, and we will be happy to help. Call our Bradenton offices today at (941) 444-4444.
What Does Boating Under the Influence Mean in Bradenton?
As noted in Florida Statue 327.35, it is against the law to be in control of a vessel whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The term vessel encompasses a variety of modes of transport and includes boats, seaplanes, barges, watercraft, and any other types of transport used on the water.
The statute defines boating under the influence (BUI) by a number of factors, including if your blood alcohol concentration is above 0.8% and if your normal faculties have become impaired as a result of the consumption of drugs or alcohol.
If you have been arrested for boating under the influence (BUI) that has resulted in property damage in Bradenton, then it is highly advised to seek legal representation from a reputable criminal defense attorney. A highly skilled attorney will assess your case and fight for your rights in court. An adept lawyer will work to build a strong defense strategy that can stand up in court and ensure that you receive the best outcome possible.
Consequences for Boating Under the Influence in Bradenton That Results in Property Damage
The penalties associated with boating under the influence (BUI) in Bradenton that results in property damage will depend on a number of factors. These factors include:
- Whether you have any prior convictions for driving or boating under the influence.
- Whether you caused the accident.
- Whether personal injury, property damage, or accidental death was caused as a result of your BUI.
- How high your blood alcohol levels were at the time you were tested.
- If there was a minor under the age of 18 present at the time of the offense.
If you have never been caught or charged with a BUI or DUI in the past, then it is likely that you will face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. If convicted, penalties will include a fine of up to $500 and a jail sentence of up to six months. However, if you are caught boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol for the second time in Bradenton, then it is likely that penalties will be elevated. As a result, you may face an increased fine between $1,000 and $2,000, and your potential prison sentence may increase to 9 months. Additionally, if you are caught for BUI for a second time within 5 years, then you will face a mandatory prison sentence of 10 days, and your vessel will be immobilized for a minimum of 30 days.
According to Florida law, if you are caught for BUI three times within 10 years of one another, then you will be charged with a third-degree felony. Penalties for a third-degree felony include up to $5,000 payable in fines and a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
If you are facing criminal charges, then the best thing to do is seek legal advice from a criminal defense attorney. They will be able to investigate your case and any evidence being used against you, and they will ensure you are being represented in the best way possible. Phone The Law Place today to arrange a free consultation.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Effects for Boating Under the Influence in Bradenton, FL.
In the State of Florida, whilst boating under the influence (BUI) is considered to be relatively similar to driving under the influence (DUI), there are some slight differences that make BUI more dangerous. Whilst there may be fewer vehicles on the open waters in comparison to the road, there are more people that could be directly in your path, and when the sun reflects off the water, it can cause a glare that may reduce visibility.
The consumption of alcohol and drugs can have a huge impact on an individual’s nervous system, as well as slow down reaction times and reduce a person’s ability to make decisions. This means that the chances of an accident is increasingly likely, and may not only cause damage to another vessel or property but, in the worst-case scenario, can also result in personal injury or loss of life. If personal injury, property damage, or loss of life occurs as a result of your BUI, then it is likely that your penalties will be elevated, and you will receive larger fines and extensive jail time.
Contact our law firm today to seek legal advice from a highly skilled criminal defense attorney and receive a free case evaluation on the best steps to take.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
Here at The Law Place, we understand how stressful and daunting facing criminal charges can be. By seeking the advice of an accomplished criminal defense lawyer, they will be able to assess your case and ensure you take the right steps to achieve a successful outcome.
At our law firm, we offer a free consultation to all our customers, where we will analyze your case and offer comprehensive legal advice on the next best steps to take, all at no-obligation. If you then wish to proceed with The Law Place, we will arrange a further consultation where we will investigate your case in even more detail and scrutinize any evidence being used against you. We will ensure that none of your rights were violated during your arrest and will work to build a strong defense strategy that can stand up in court against the prosecution. At this consultation, we will also outline all of our legal costs, so you don’t have to worry about receiving surprise bills at the end of the legal process.
Our lawyers will combine their knowledge and experience to ensure you receive the best possible outcome that may see penalties reduced or even dropped. Many of our attorneys are AVVO rated 10.0, which is the best possible rating, so you can rest assured that your case is in experienced hands.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Contact The Law Place in Bradenton Today!
If you have been arrested or charged with boating under the influence (BUI), which has resulted in property damage, then it is important to seek legal advice from a defense attorney as soon as you possibly can. Our lawyers will work closely with you on your case and ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.
Here at The Law Place, we have an experienced team with over 75 years of collective experience in handling BUI charges and similar cases. Contact us today and receive a free case evaluation from a highly skilled attorney. Our Bradenton phone lines are open around the clock, so we can be here to support you and offer valuable legal advice when you need it most. What are you waiting for? Call us today at (941) 444-4444 and get started with your case.
