Orange County Boating Under the Influence Attorney
The sunny climates of Orange County, CA and Miami-Dade, FL attract boaters from all over the world. Halley’s licensed in both California and Florida – and serves clients from coast to coast! Qualified tourists may rent a variety of craft for use in and around the coastlines, waterways, and harbors.
Permanent residents in these areas enjoy the boating lifestyle and the water’s edge properties supporting vessel ownership, launching, and maintenance.
Commercial boating activity is also extensive. Fishing charters, cruises, shipping, and military vessels are all commonplace within these waterways. Therefore, it’s important for boat operators to be aware of the dangers BUI poses. Boating under the influence (“BUI”) in California brings substantial penalties for all offenders. In order to avoid these penalties, let’s briefly review the statutes and whom to contact if you need representation for BUI in Orange County
BUI in California
The California Harbors and Navigation Code 655 covers boating under the influence in California. Operating any type of water vessel including boats, ships, personal watercraft, and jet skis while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is prohibited under this Code.
To be considered under the influence while operating a private vessel, a blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) of 0.08 or higher must be recorded either through a breath or blood test.
While persons over the age of 21 are allowed to possess open containers of alcohol on boats, consumption of substances while directly operating the vessel is prohibited. Depending on the circumstances of the citation, first-time penalties may include up to a year of jail time, and fines ranging from a minimum of $250, to not more than $1000, plus court fees and costs related to drug and alcohol education courses.
You may also face imprisonment up to 6 months, and suspension of your boating privilege.
In addition, you may accrue points on your driver’s license and be subject to expenses or civil suits related to damage to others’ property or injuries as a result of the infraction.
Please note these penalties are always subject to updates; to keep abreast of the latest California Statutes related to BUI offenses in Orange County, contact an experienced attorney like Halley J. Peters at HJP Legal.
Ms. Peters is licensed in Florida and California; she graduated magna cum laude from University of Miami Law School in 2011, and with distinction from the University of Michigan in 2008. Passionate for criminal justice, she is dedicated to ensuring those alleged to have violated boating under the influence laws receive the best outcome legally and personally.
Why Choose HJP LEgal?
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Strategic Advice & RepresentationAttorney Halley J. Peters is well-versed in ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will ensure that the evidence being used against you is obtained legally and within legal boundaries.
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Minimize PenaltiesCriminal charges can have severe consequences, including losing certain rights, massive fines and penalty fees, and potential incarceration. A skilled criminal defense attorney like Halley J. Peters can help to minimize these penalties or even fight to get the charges dismissed entirely.
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Clear Communication & TransparencyHalley is here for you every step of the way. She keeps her clients informed and up to date on important developments in their cases, and is readily available to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.
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Legal ExpertiseHalley is an experienced criminal defense attorney with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle your criminal case. She understands the legal procedures and tactics of the prosecution, allowing her to provide you with the best defense.
BUI Defense in California
Experienced criminal defense attorneys make their living on the mistakes made by police during the citation and arrest processes. Lab employees aren’t perfect either. There are instances where chemical and breath tests may yield inaccurate results when measuring blood alcohol concentration.
Testing machines need frequent calibration and certification to ensure they operate within specifications. Law enforcement officers and laboratory technicians may be inadequately trained or lag on certain metrics. Officers may face significant hurdles in court when justifying the probable cause they used when making contact with you and citing you for your BUI.
All of these facts work in your favor in the courtroom, provided you have the best BUI attorney. From coast to coast, wherever you boat – attorney Halley J. Peters is here for you.
Remember that with Halley, no concern is too small.
