Here in Florida, there are many popular city destinations for boating and boating parties. However, all is not as glamorous as it seems, as there are many people that decide to operate these boats under the influence of drugs and alcohol. If you are caught boating under the influence (BUI), then you are at risk of facing some serious punishments and even life-changing consequences.
If you are caught and arrested for BUI in Port Charlotte, then it is strongly advised you hire a legal representative as soon as possible. Luckily for you, here at The Law Place, we have a team of dedicated criminal defense attorneys who are here ready to fight your corner. Our team of lawyers here in Port Charlotte has vast knowledge and experience behind them, so you can put your trust in them to get the best possible outcome for you. The criminal defense attorney that is assigned to your case here at The Law Place will work to get the best outcome possible for you. This may include seeing your charges reduced and, in the best circumstance, having them dropped altogether.
So, call us today here at The Law Place at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation with us. As a part of this consultation, we will offer you free no-obligation advice on what the next best steps are to take for your unique case. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, waiting for your call.
What Does Boating Under the Influence Mean in Port Charlotte?
Under Florida Statute 327.35, it is illegal to be in control of a vessel whilst you are under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. A vessel is a mode of transport that includes boats, seaplanes, barged, watercraft, and any other type of vessel that can be used as transport on water.
Under this statute, boating under the influence includes if the individual’s blood alcohol concentration is above 0.08% and if your normal abilities have been affected as a result of the consumption of drugs or alcohol.
So, if you have been arrested for boating under the influence charge and this resulted in property damage in Port Charlotte, then you need to contact The Law Place as soon as possible. You will need to hire a reputable criminal defense attorney, as you will need legal representation to fight your case. If you choose to contact The Law Place today, one of our very experienced criminal defense attorneys will assess your case very carefully and see what defense strategy they can use to fight your corner.
Criminal and Civil Liability
Here in Florida, boating under the influence charges can result in either a criminal case or a civil liability lawsuit – also known as a personal injury lawsuit. Any person that is responsible for the operation of a boat whilst under the influence can be held liable for any property damage. Additionally, they can be held for any personal injury caused by a boating accident.
Many boaters who operate a recreational boat are surprised by how serious the charges can be for boating under the influence charge. The law here in Florida is very strict with its penalties for this type of crime.
So, if you have been arrested for boating under the influence charge that resulted in property damage, then you need to contact The Law Place today. After calling us, you will be able to arrange a free consultation with us where we can discuss the next best steps for your case. Then, the criminal defense attorney assigned to your case will fight for your rights to ensure they get the best outcome for you, including reducing your penalties or even dropping them completely.
What Are the Consequences for Boating Under the Influence That Resulted in Property Damage in Port Charlotte?
There are many penalties that are associated with boating under the influence charge that results in property damage. However, this depends on many factors. These factors include:
- If you have any prior convictions for driving or boating under the influence.
- If you were the one who caused the accident.
- If there was any personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death that was caused as a result of your BUI.
- How high your blood alcohol levels were at the time you were tested at the incident.
- If there was a minor under the age of 18 present at the time of the offense.
If you are caught or charged with either boating under the influence or driving under the influence charge in the past, then it is very likely you will face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. If you are convicted of this charge, then the penalty will include being fined up to $500 and a jail sentence of up to six months. However, if you are caught boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Port Charlotte, then it is very likely your penalties will be elevated. This means you could potentially face an increased fine between $1,000 to $2,000. Additionally, you could potentially face up to nine months in prison.
If you are caught for a BUI for the second time within five years, then you face a mandatory prison sentence of 10 days, and your vessel will be immobilized for a minimum of 30 days. If you are caught for a BUI three times within 10 years, then you will be charged with a third-degree felony. The penalties for these types of felony can include punishments with fines of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.
If you are facing criminal charges in Port Charlotte, then we highly recommend you seek legal advice as soon as possible. So, phone The Law Place today to schedule your free consultation to begin your legal journey.
What Are the Effects Of Boating Under the Influence in Port Charlotte?
Here in Florida, if you are boating under the influence, this is considered to be relatively similar to driving under the influence. However, there are some slight differences between the two, and they make boating under the influence charges a lot more dangerous. Although there are not many vehicles on open waters compared to the roads, there may be more people directly in your path. Also, the sun that reflects on the water can cause a glare that may reduce the visibility of the driver of the vehicle.
If you consume alcohol or drugs, then this will have a huge impact on the nervous system of the individual. This means it will slow down their reaction times and also their ability to make clear decisions. As a result, the chance of an accident occurring is more likely, and not only is there the chance of causing damage to another vessel or other property, but also personal injury or even a fatality. If, as a result of a BUI accident, there is a personal injury, property damage, or in the worst circumstances, a death, then the likelihood of your penalties increasing is very likely. This means you will receive larger fines and even longer jail time.
Contact The Law Place today to seek legal advice from one of our highly skilled criminal defense lawyers.
How Will a Criminal Defense Lawyer Be Able to Help Me?
Here at The Law Place, we understand how stressful and daunting impending criminal charges can be for individuals. However, we are here to help make this time less stressful and worrying for you. You can do this by seeking legal advice from our team of highly skilled criminal defense lawyers. When you first ring The Law Place, we will offer you a free consultation. The basis of this is a defense lawyer will assess your unique case and guide you towards the right steps to achieve a successful outcome.
When you attend your free consultation, we will first analyze your case and then offer you some free, no-obligation legal advice on what will be the next best steps to take for your case going forward. After this consultation, you may feel you do not want us to represent you, which is your decision to make. However, if you do choose us to represent you as your legal representative, then we will begin to investigate your case in more detail, analyzing and scrutinizing any evidence that will be used against you in court. You can trust that the criminal defense attorney assigned to your case will fight for your rights and build a strong defense strategy for you. Also, as a part of this consultation, we will discuss our legal costs with you. Therefore, you will not be surprised by any bills you were not expecting at the end of the legal process with us.
Our lawyers here at The Law Place have over 75 years of combined experience when dealing with all areas of Flordia law, including boating under the influence charges resulting in property damage. Many of our attorneys are rated 10.0 by AVVO. This is the best possible rating you can receive, so you can rest assured your case is in the best and most experienced hands.
Contact The Law Place in Port Charlotte Today!
If you have unfortunately been arrested and charged with boating under the influence in Port Charlotte that resulted in property damage, then you need to contact The Law Place today. The penalties you may potentially face for a BUI will be just as serious as being caught for drunk driving on the roads of Florida. This is why you will need the same legal representation as a person being charged for driving under the influence charge would need.
Here at The Law Place, our team of criminal defense attorneys understands how much of a serious impact a BUI charge can have on your life and how it can affect your day-to-day responsibilities. This is why we are here to fight for your corner in the best way we can. Then, we will be able to try and get any impending penalties you may be facing reduced or even dropped completely.
So, contact The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444, so you can schedule your free consultation with us today. Our lines are open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. So, we are on hand all day, every day, waiting for your call. Let us begin your legal journey and fight for your rights in the courts of Florida.