A Largo, FL Boating DUI Lawyer is Here to Help You

We all know that driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal in the state of Florida when a person’s BAC level is 0.08% or higher or when it causes their normal faculties to become impaired, but did you know that the law also extends to those operating a boat? While boating is a popular recreational/leisure activity many Floridians enjoy partaking in, it shouldn’t be done when a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only is it illegal to do so, but it is also extremely dangerous, especially when there are other boats traveling nearby.

Penalties for Operating a Boat While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs in Largo, FL 

When a person is caught operating a boat while under the influence, whether it was because they were maneuvering the vessel recklessly or because they caused an accident, they are likely to face a multitude of penalties. The State of Florida considers a person guilty of the offense of boating under the influence (BUI) when they are:

1. Under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance outlined in 111, or any controlled substance listed in Chapter 893 when such amount causes their normal faculties to become impaired.
2. The individual has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

When a person is convicted of boating under the influence, meaning they have been found guilty on the charges that were filed against them, they shall be faced with the following penalties:

• A fine of $500-$1,000 when it is their first conviction or a fine of $1,000-$2,000 when it is their second conviction.
• Imprisonment for no more than six months for a first-time offender or no more than nine months for a second-time offender.

[Source: Florida Statute §327.35].

Now, the penalties for operating a boat while intoxicated will increase in severity causes if an individual causes property damage, injuries to another, or a death, or they had a BAC level of 0.15 or higher. Therefore, if you are facing criminal charges for operating a vessel while under the influence, you should contact a Largo, FL boating DUI attorney as soon as possible. The boating DUI lawyers at Trevena, Pontrello and Associatesnot only have the skill and knowledge needed to fight your charges, but we also increase your chances of getting your charges reduced to a lesser degree.

If you would like a boating DUI attorney in Largo, FL to start working on your case, call 727-581-5813.

Penalties for BUI with a BAC of 0.15 or Higher in Largo, FL

 When a person is caught operating a boat in Largo, FL with a BAC level of 0.15 or higher, meaning more alcohol was detected in their blood, they risk being hit with the following penalties:

• A fine of $1,000-$2,000 for a first conviction or $2,000-$4,000 for a second conviction.
• For a third or subsequent conviction, the fine is no less than $4,000.
• Imprisonment for no more than nine months when it is their first conviction or no more than 12 months when it is their second conviction.

In the event a boat operator was driving with a passenger on board that is under the age of 18, the same penalties shall be imposed against them.

 Penalties for Boating Accidents that Cause Property Damage, Injuries, or a Death

• If an individual in Largo, FL causing damage to the property of another as a result of boating while intoxicated, they shall be accused of committing a misdemeanor if the first degree.
• When a person causes serious bodily injury to another as a result of BUI, they shall be charged with a felony of the third degree.
• When boating while under the influence leads to the death of another, the intoxicated individual shall be charged with BUI manslaughter, which could either be a felony of the first or second degree.

Charged with BUI in Largo, FL? It’s time you contact with a Largo, FL Boating DUI Law Firm

Boating under the influence is a serious criminal offense that could land you in jail and cost you a significant amount in fines and fees. Aside from the penalties a BUI carries with it, it also has the potential to taint your record which could limit your ability to get a job. Therefore, if you are looking to fight your charges or potentially get them reduced, contact Trevena, Pontrello & Associates and let one of our Largo, FL boating DUI attorneys assist with your case.

Trevena, Pontrello and Associates is located at:

801 W Bay Drive, Suite 509

Largo, FL 33770

Phone: 727-581-5813

With its office based in Largo Florida, Trevena Pontrello & Associates primarily practices in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco County, and throughout the state of Florida.