Maryland BUI Defense Attorneys

Aggressive Defense for Boating Under the Influence Charges

Boating in Maryland is a very enjoyable recreational activity, but a weekend of fun in the sun can turn into a disaster if you are arrested for operating your boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement agencies patrol the water just as they do the roads, and if they suspect that you are operating under the influence (OUI), you will be subject to field sobriety tests and/or a breathalyzer test or blood test, just like you would if you were on the road.

Questions You May Have About Your BUI

An arrest for boating under the influence (BUI) can be very confusing, and so there may be a variety of questions running through your head.

• Can I lose my boat registration?
• Can I lose my boating privileges?
• Can a BUI conviction still send me to jail?
• How can a law enforcement officer know that I’m impaired if I’m tested on a moving surface?
• What happens if I caused an accident?

Getting Answers

These questions and many more can be overwhelming to anyone arrested for BUI, preventing them from taking the necessary steps to protect their legal rights. If you have been accused of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in Maryland, before you get overwhelmed with questions, contact an experienced attorney from Alpert Schreyer, LLC. We can address your concerns and help to protect you against unjust prosecution.

Penalties for BUI and BWI

Boating Under the Influence

• If a person is convicted of operating their vessel under the influence of alcohol, they are guilty of a misdemeanor and are subject to imprisonment of one year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000 for a first offense.
• For a second offense, the penalties increase to a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or a maximum $2,000 fine.
• For a third or subsequent offense, the penalties increase to a maximum three years imprisonment and/or a maximum $3,000 fine.
• The court may also prohibit a convicted offender from operating a vessel on Maryland waters for a maximum of one year.

Boating While Impaired

• For a first offense, a convicted offender would be subject to a maximum imprisonment of two months and/or a maximum fine of $500.
• For second or subsequent offenses, the penalties increase to a maximum imprisonment of one year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.

Aggressive Legal Representation

Boating under the influence, like driving under the influence, has the power to jeopardize your personal, professional, and financial future. At Alpert Schreyer, our knowledgeable Maryland boating under the influence defense attorneys have the skills and resources necessary to build a strong defense against overzealous prosecutors.