Boating Under the Influence In Michigan

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An evening out on the Michigan Great Lakes can quickly become a dangerous and uncertain situation when alcohol becomes a factor. If you’re facing boating under the influence (BUI) charges, it’s important to have a defense lawyer for DUI charges by your side. The Law Offices of Barton Morris in Royal Oak, MI can provide much-needed guidance and legal advice when it comes to defending you as a client against BUI charges. Trust our experienced, skilled DUI attorneys to help you break down the possible consequences and legal troubles you could be facing and explain how we can help you win your case. Learn more about how BUI is classified and charged in the State of Michigan and contact our defense lawyers today for a free consultation!

What Is Boating Under the Influence?

Essentially, “boating under the influence” in Michigan law involves an individual operating a motorboat, or a motor vehicle designed for use on water, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Several different types of water vehicles can fall under this general definition, such as speed boats, pontoons, yachts, fishing boats, or jet skis. However, the DUI lawyers at The Law Offices of Barton Morris know there are two different variations of the boating under the influence charge our clients can face: BUI and BWVI. 

Our defense lawyers for DUI charges know a BWVI charge, known as boating while visibly impaired, involves a client operating a type of motor water vehicle described above while impaired by drugs or alcohol. A BUI charge, on the other hand, is a bit more serious and involves a person operating a motorized water vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or greater. No matter which type of situation you may find yourself in, a DUI attorney from The Law Offices of Barton Morris can help you better understand the charge itself and where to go from here. 

Getting Charged With BUI

The severity of consequences a client faces, when BUI charges are involved, depends heavily on if it’s classified as a first or repeated offense. A DUI lawyer from The Law Offices of Barton Morris can help you better understand what the possibilities are when it comes to fighting your BUI or BWVI charge. In the State of Michigan, a first-time BUI offense is classified as a misdemeanor; this means the individual charged may face up to 45 days of community service, under 100 days in jail, and possible $100 to $500 fines. Suspension of motorboat operation privileges is also possible. Second BUI offenses are also considered misdemeanors with up to 90 days of community service, one year in jail, and fines of $200 to $1,000. 

A third BUI offense, thoroughly explained to you by a DUI attorney, is a felony that can result in one to five years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. Not only that, but a client with two prior felonies within a ten year period may have his or her privilege to operate a motorboat suspended indefinitely. The Law Offices of Barton Morris can help you make sure your life is not turned upside down providing expert advice on your BUI case and a defense lawyer for DUI charges.

Consequences of A BWVI Charge

Consulting with a DUI lawyer fromThe Law Offices of Barton Morris will reveal the possible consequences of a BWVI charge are very similar to those of a BUI charge. BWVI is a misdemeanor for the first, second, and third offense, but individuals still face between 45 and 90 days of community service, jail time, and between $300 and $1,000 in fines. A defense lawyer for DUI charges can help make sure you don’t have to face these consequences by taking an in-depth look at your case. Get in touch with a DUI attorney today for a free consultation!

How A Defense Lawyer for DUI Charges Can Help

Whether it’s a BUI or a BWVI charge, you can be facing serious life-changing penalties. The Law Offices of Barton Morris is a defense firm that specializes in helping everyday clients just like yourself understand the implications of a BUI or BWVI charge and fight against it. A defense lawyer for DUI charges from our firm is capable of providing the same legal advice for persons facing boating under the influence charges. The Law Offices of Barton Morris is considered one of the best law firms in Michigan, with experience handling both state and federal prosecutions. Not only are our skilled DUI lawyers highly respected among the judges and prosecutors in the Michigan judicial system, but we can help you better understand and fight the penalties of a BUI. 

Contact A DUI Attorney For A Free Consultation

The Law Offices of Barton Morris in Royal Oak are here to make sure you are fairly and properly represented in Michigan court. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you fight your BUI or BWVI charge!