Boating under the influence, otherwise known as BUI or BWI, is a misdemeanor offense in Seattle. This means if you are convicted of BWI, you could face a maximum of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Not much fun, even if the typical punishment is probation and a fine on the smaller end of the spectrum.
And what you may have noticed is that BWI or BUI, unlike DUI, doesn't carry with it the driver's license suspension of 90 days for a first time DUI. There are two primary reasons for this: first, you don't need a license to operate a boat, making a suspension of a nonexistent license not very much punishment; and second, in my opinion, the MADD and SADD interest groups haven't latched on to BWI like they have DUI, so the penalties aren't as harsh.
The difference between getting a Seattle BUI or not may be the weekend you decide to go have all of your fun. For example, this past weekend was Seafair weekend in the greater Seattle area. This meant hydroplane races, the Blue Angels air show, and a lot of boats and a lot of parties out on the water.
It also meant a lot of police patrols for BWI suspects, and a lot of arrests for Seattle boating under the influence. In fact, I myself know someone who was picked up and cited with boating under the influence. Now she's probably going to need my help to get it taken care of.
To even have a chance to beat a BWI charge, you need the same thing you always need when facing a criminal charge - a good Seattle DUI attorney, someone who knows what the police have to prove and can do a good job of breaking that evidence down. So, if you've been charged with BUI or BWI in Seattle, don't wait, call a BUI lawyer today.
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