We remain open to serve our clients’ legal needs. In light of the recent concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, protecting our clients remains our most important focus. We offer to all current and future clients to meet with us via phone or video conference. Please contact our office to discuss your other meeting options.

Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Attorneys For The Tacoma Area

Law Offices of Durflinger Oliver and Associates

Free Consults | Consultas Gratuitas

Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Attorneys
For The Tacoma Area

Boating Under The Influence Charges

You were having a great day on the lake. The sun was out, your favorite song was blasting on your boat’s stereo and you and your friends were enjoying drinks on the water. Then the cops showed up. As you now know, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence (BUI) of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. By operating a boat, the law deems that you have given your consent for breath and blood testing to determine the level of alcohol or THC from marijuana in your blood stream. If an officer has a reasonable suspicion to suspect you are BUI and you refuse to take a test, your refusal may result in a $1,000 fine. You need a boating under the influence attorney.

BUI, also referred to as “drunk boating,” is a gross misdemeanor and subjects you to a maximum of 364 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. If anyone was injured or killed due to your intoxication, you may be charged with a felony and sent to jail or prison. Of course, you may also have to pay restitution for any damage you cause. BUI can also put your job and your family at risk. If you are a divorced parent, there may be issues with custody and visitation. It is important to protect your rights by hiring an experienced BUI attorney like the ones at Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS. The former deputy prosecuting attorneys and seasoned criminal attorneys at Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS have been representing BUI clients for a combined 30 years. These BUI attorneys know what needs to be done to protect you. There are defenses available which are similar to defenses to charges of drunk driving (DUI). For example:

  • The Breathalyzer test used to calculate your blood alcohol content (BAC) was not properly administered.
  • The Breathalyzer was not properly calibrated.
  • The officer administering the Breathalyzer test was not properly trained.
  • Breathalyzers were not designed for use on the water.
  • Some medical conditions result in false positive Breathalyzer test results.
  • Field sobriety tests conducted on a boat are too subjective to be accurate.
  • The officer did not properly perform the field sobriety tests.
  • The officer did not properly explain your rights to you.

Our attorneys are committed to protecting you and ensuring that you get the best results possible. We will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case, interview witnesses and do our best to have evidence of the test results suppressed. Every day we are in court attacking alcohol cases and negotiating with prosecutors to reach a dismissal or reduction of the charges. As experienced trial attorneys, we are prepared to vigorously fight the charges at trial if necessary. You can trust us to provide you with the best representation at an affordable rate. Call today to schedule a free consultation where we can answer questions about our convenient payment plans and military discount.