IMPORTANT! If you have been charged with boating under the influence, call us immediately for a free consultation. Call (800) 239-3195 and speak with one of our attorneys right away!
Tampa BUI Lawyer & Attorney
One of the many pleasures of living in the Tampa Area is its easy access to water. Millions of visitors flock to Tampa every year to partake in the joy and excitement of the coastline’s many recreational offerings. One of Tampa’s most popular water activities is boating. People take their boats out to the gulf, the bay, the ocean, or one of Florida’s many lakes. It’s not uncommon for many boaters to bring a case or two of beer to enjoy while under the sun. When this is the case, it is important for all boaters to practice safe drinking and driving habits.
It is illegal in Florida to operate a boat or any other watercraft vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver is considered too intoxicated to operate a boat when his/her blood alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.08% or higher. People under the age of 21 will be arrested and charged if their BAC level is higher than 0.02%. Once BAC reaches these levels, people lose their ability to maintain coordination, focus, alertness, balance, vision, and good judgment. Furthermore, certain factors inherent to boating, such as wind, sun, heat, vibrations, engine noise, etc., can intensify the effects of drugs and alcohol.
If you are found operating a boat with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher, you will be arrested and charged with boating under the influence (BUI). People convicted of BUI face multiple penalties, such as steep monetary fines, jail sentences, alcohol or drug treatment programs, probation, community service, boat impoundment, and the loss of the right to operate a boat in the future. A BUI conviction can also have a negative impact on your driver’s license privileges as well. In addition, certain factors may increase the severity of your punishment, such as if a minor was present in the boat, if the operator is under the age of 21, if this is a second, third, or fourth BUI offense, if property was damaged, or if another person was injured or killed in an accident.
Contact our Tampa BUI Attorneys
If you have been charged with a BUI, our experienced attorneys can protect your rights, and increase your chances of obtaining a winning outcome in court. At Thomas & Paulk, we have successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout the Tampa Bay Area charged with BUI, and have extensive knowledge in this area of the law. When we commit to a case, we provide every client with practical options, viable resources, individualized attention, and aggressive representation. Our number one goal is to protect our clients' rights and freedom, and make sure justice is served.
If you are in need of an experienced Tampa BUI attorney, contact Thomas & Paulk today for your free consultation at (800) 239-3195!