BUI (Boating Under the Influence) in Olympia

Boating while under the influence in Olympia isn’t just a risky choice; it’s a criminal offense that can endanger lives and lead to serious legal consequences for the offender. A nice day out on your boat can turn into the storm of the century if you choose to break the law.

Boating under the influence (BUI) in Olympia is a serious offense. It happens when you choose to operate a boat while you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Similar to driving under the influence (DUI), BUI laws in Washington are strictly enforced to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the water.

If caught breaking these laws, you may come face to face with fines, arrest, and the potential for a suspended boating license. Law enforcement agencies are always actively patrolling these waterways, especially during peak boating seasons, to ensure public safety and deter impaired boating.

Did you know the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while on the water in Olympia is 0.08%, the same as the legal limit for driving a car? However, even lower levels of alcohol or drug impairment can significantly affect your ability to safely navigate your vessel. It makes it harder to react to obstacles you might encounter, control the boat, and operate at safe speeds.

In addition to alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can impair your ability to operate a vessel and lead to a BUI charge. Using these substances while on the water is just as dangerous as if you did it and drove a car.

The penalties for BUI offenses in Washington can be steep. These include fines and possible imprisonment, as well as mandatory boating safety courses and boating license suspension or revocation. Repeat offenders face much harsher penalties, including longer suspensions and higher fines. If there is an accident as the result of a BUI that causes injury or death, the penalties increase tenfold and have the potential for felony charges.

The legal consequences for BUI offenses in Olympia are strict to help ensure that boaters are held accountable for their actions. Remember, common sense does come into play here as well. You never want to operate a water vessel while under the influence of any substance.

BUI charges in Olympia are all governed under RCW 79A.60.040, which states it is unlawful to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other drug. When it says vessels, it is referring to motorized boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and other similar watercraft.

• RCW 79A.60.050: This has to do with the reckless or negligent operation of a vessel, which can accompany BUI charges and often results in homicide by watercraft.
• RCW 79A.60.030: This statute describes the vessel operator’s responsibilities, including adherence to safety and sobriety laws in the state.
• RCW 79A.60.040: This includes information about implied consent for testing and establishes implied consent for breath or blood testing when law enforcement suspects a BUI. Your refusal to submit to these tests can result in even more penalties.
• RCW 10.31.100: This law allows law enforcement to arrest someone who is suspected of a BUI without needing a warrant to do so, which applies to specific circumstances.
• RCW 88.12.215: This statute discusses reporting vessel accidents, which often happen with BUI cases and usually involve injuries or significant property damage.

Taking the time to understand these laws and consulting an attorney who is more than familiar with them is a great first step when you want to try and secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Olympia’s waterways are great for outdoor enthusiasts who want a little excitement. You will have untethered access to stunning views and tons of amazing recreational opportunities. From the serene inlets you will find in Budd Bay to the more extensive waters in Puget Sound, they are ideal for boating, kayaking, fishing, and many other adventures.

However, the accessibility and popularity of these locales also come with the shared responsibility for safety. You must make sure to follow all the laws and regulations because they are designed to protect everyone. With increased activity during the summer months, law enforcement becomes even more diligent when it comes to patrolling the water for impaired boaters and makes it a top priority.

Facing a BUI charge can be overwhelming. However, a skilled criminal defense attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Attorneys experienced in BUI laws understand just how complex Washington’s statutes are but are trained on how to challenge the evidence, like the accuracy of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and whether law enforcement even had probable cause to stop your vessel.

In addition to building a rock-solid defense, your criminal defense attorney can negotiate on your behalf to seek alternative resolutions to your case, like reduced penalties or participation in boating safety courses instead of the much harsher penalties we have outlined above.

We believe that every BUI charge in Olympia can be challenged with the right approach. For over 20 years, our attorneys have defended clients facing criminal charges across Western Washington and have provided dedicated and results-driven representation when needed most.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a BUI, consult one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys as soon as you can. Early intervention can make a big difference when it comes to building a strong defense and protecting your rights.

Our Olympia-based attorneys are aggressive advocates who will fight to minimize your penalties, protect your boating privileges, and keep you out of jail.

As you can probably imagine, there are quite a few similarities between a DUI and a BUI. Both pertain to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol – with one involved driving a car and the other a boat. Both charges are gross misdemeanors which means the maximum penalties can result to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. However, there are there are also a lot of differences which are important to understand.

The biggest difference is the fact that a BUI will not impact your driver’s license – CDL or normal license. The DOL will take no action against you if you are convicted of a BUI. Another important difference is how a “refusal” is treated. If you refuse to provide a breath or blood sample in a DUI, you face harsher penalties and that refusal can be used against you. With a BUI – the penalties will remain the same and the refusal cannot be used against you. However, if you do refuse, you will be issued an infraction (a ticket). This infraction will have a penalty over $1,000! It is important to know that if you get the ticket, you can also fight it just like you can fight a BUI criminal charge.

IF you are facing a BUI criminal charge or a refusal ticket, give our office a call. We have experience handling both types of matters. You must respond to the court normally within 15 days of receiving the refusal ticket which is typically much sooner than the filing of the criminal case. Contact our office as soon as you get the ticket so we can fight it for you in addition to your criminal case. We could literally be saving you thousands of dollars.