Marietta BUI Lawyer

Defending the rights of those in Cobb, Fulton, Cherokee, Bartow, & Paulding Counties

Due to an increase in the number of fatal boating accidents over the past few decades, boating under the influence (BUI) has become a serious criminal charge that is treated in a similar manner as a DUI arrest. If you’re convicted for BUI in Georgia, you could lose your boating license, pay steep fees, and even face jail time, depending on the circumstances. The court may also order you to take an alcohol or drug education course. Charges can increase if you were involved in an accident or if a child under 14 was on board at the time of your arrest (child endangerment). 

With over a decade of legal experience, as a former prosecutor and as a solo practitioner, our BUI attorney in Marietta has the insight and skills necessary to effectively advocate on your behalf in and out of the courtroom. 

If you were arrested for boating under the influence in North Georgia, schedule a free case evaluation with the Frye Law Group by calling (770) 637-4555. 

Georgia’s Boating Under the Influence Laws

Although the federal government has BUI laws that are enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard, each state also passes legislation that determines how BUI offenses are regulated within its borders. For example, Georgia strengthens federal laws by allowing local law enforcement to stop any moving watercraft (boat, sailboat, jet ski, water skis, etc.) in public waterways without providing a reason. You also consent to alcohol or drug testing simply by operating a boat within the state. Refusing a test could be used as evidence against you and may result in your boating privileges being suspended for up to a year. 

Georgia determines intoxication by either visible impairment or age and blood alcohol content (BAC). For minors (under 21), their BAC cannot be higher than .02%. For adults, that number increases to .08%. As for visible impairment, officers might perform a field sobriety test to decide whether you have the physical and mental capacity to safely operate the watercraft. If the officer performing the test suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be arrested. 

Get the relentless BUI Defense you deserve

Whereas being arrested for boating under the influence can ruin a weekend at Allatoona Lake or Lake Acworth, a conviction can have much more serious long-term consequences. However, it’s important to remember that an arrest does not guarantee that you’ll be convicted on all charges. It’s still possible to have your charges reduced or even dropped, depending on the facts of your case. 

No matter the circumstances, we recommend that you call Frye Law Group immediately following your BUI arrest so we can quickly begin gathering evidence and building as strong a defense as possible. 

Call (770) 637-4555 or message us today to speak with our experienced BUI attorney in Marietta.