Finding the right BUI & DUI defense attorney is essential if you are facing charges after a boating or driving incident. Both the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the court take violations of Florida Statute 316.193 extremely seriously. DUI (Driving Under the Influence), by definition, means operating a motor vehicle with an illegal amount of alcohol or controlled substances in your system. BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is the marine equivalent — operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A qualified BUI & DUI defense attorney with a thorough understanding of Florida law and the court system in Tampa can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal. In the former case (conviction), your life will never be the same. Therefore, McDermott Law Firm, P.A. works tirelessly to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
DUI in Tampa: Cause, Effect, and the Bottom Line
Understanding state statutes can be both confusing and intimidating. Your BUI & DUI defense attorney is your navigator, your interpreter, and your advocate. You are legally considered Under the Influence when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or greater, as determined by a breath test. Those under 21 years of age with a BAC as low as 0.02 or higher can face additional challenges. In Tampa, and the entire State of Florida, the penalties for DUI are particularly harsh, and they increase exponentially with subsequent violations. The Department of Motor Vehicles will make sure you lose your driving privileges (your license) either temporarily or permanently. Similarly, the severity of your offense will affect how much you owe in fines.
A thorough and effective BUI & DUI defense attorney in Tampa finds ways to challenge the legality of the arrest. Every year, a high percentage of cases are dismissed because a lawyer did his or her job and kept digging.
The Possible Perils of A BUI Conviction in Tampa
Boating is a prominent part of life in Tampa Bay. As with the operation of a motor vehicle, however, safety must always be a primary concern. Under Florida Statute 327.35, BUI laws utilize the same blood alcohol standard of 0.08% that DUI laws do. For a first conviction, a violator can be fined up to $500 and jailed for up to six months.
What Can A BUI & DUI Defense Attorney Do For You?
For both motor vehicle and boat incidents, certain circumstances can affect the penalties. Was there an injury, death, or property damage? Does the boater have any prior convictions? Is the vessel operator under the age of 21? Since there are often mitigating factors, it is wise to call a BUI & DUI defense attorney when you are charged with Operating any vehicle or vessel while Under the Influence.
Do you need help in the Tampa Bay Area? Contact McDermott Law Firm today at (727) 367-1080.
