Recently in Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Category

April 15, 2009

Alcohol Found on Boat Involved in Jacksonville Area Crash

885970_boat.jpgThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) have been investigating the boat crash that occurred on the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Valley between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida.  The FWC discovered alcoholic beverages in the boat and are investigating whether the driver of the boat was under the influence of alcohol.  In the Jacksonville area, it is not illegal to have open containers of alcoholic beverages in a vessel.  However, it is illegal to drive a vessel if you are impaired by alcohol.  This is known as boating under the influence (BUI).  Thus far, no one involved in Sunday's Intercoastal boating accident has been charged with BUI, but the FWC is still looking into it.  Even if the FWC can show that the driver did consume alcohol, this is not enough to charge a person with BUI.  It is not illegal to have a drink or two and drive a boat.  However, it is illegal too drink too much, or be drunk, and operate a boat.  


Bookmark and Share
April 14, 2009

Florida Boating Accident Claims Five Lives

548715_boat_wake__4.jpgOn Sunday, a 22-foot boat crashed into a tug that was docked in Palm Valley, Florida.  The boat was traveling from St. Augustine to Jacksonville, Florida.  Five people were killed and several others were injured.  Witnesses claim that the boat was traveling at a high rate of speed.  Moreover, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including boating under the influence.  

In Jacksonville, Florida, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is treated very similar to Driving Under the Influence (DUI).  Florida Statute Section 327.35 prohibits a person from operating a vessel if the person is: 
  1. under the influence of alcohol or a chemical substance to the extent that the person's normal faculties are impaired or 
  2. the person has a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.  
The penalties for Jacksonville Boating Under the Influence are similar to Jacksonville DUI penalties with some minor differences.  The most significant difference is that a Jacksonville Boating Under the Influence conviction will not result in a Florida driver's license suspension.  However, it will suspend your boating privileges.  

Contact a Jacksonville BUI Attorney if you have questions about Boating Under the Influence


Bookmark and Share