WE'RE HERE TO SERVEYour Lawyer for Life

DUI Boating laws couple drinking
Washington State

Washington BUI: Boating Under the Influence

Not a DUI in any sense, but still a common charge in Washington over the summer months is that of Boating Under the Influence (BUI).
The elements of BUI in Washington are similar of a DUI charge. It is a ‘per se’ violation of the statute if you are operating a vessel and have a BAC of .08 or above. If a breath or blood test is not available to the state, it can attempt to prove a violation of the statute by showing you were appreciably affected by alcohol or drugs (or combination of the two) at the time you were operating the vessel. Additionally, the BUI statute is also implicated if one is accused of operating the vessel recklessly, whether alcohol or drugs are involved.
If you have been charged with this offense or believe that you may be, contact us Snohomish Law Group immediately.
'Per Se' and Impairment DUIs
All states have two types of DUI charges: "impairment" and "per se." The difference between the two charges is how the prosecution proves the driver was "under the influence." With a per se DUI, the prosecution just needs to show that the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more.
On the other hand, impairment DUI charges do apply to marijuana use. The focus of impairment laws is on how the drugs or alcohol affected the driver—not on which substance or the actual amount in the driver's system. And, if the driver is impaired, it doesn't matter whether the alcohol or drug use was legal. In Washington State the following applies:
BAC Thresholds for DUI And Physical Control

To determine if you are under the influence, police officers will administer a breath or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. If your BAC meets or exceeds the thresholds that the law sets, you could receive a physical control or DUI charge. If you refuse to take a BAC test, you could receive additional penalties. You must be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, marijuana, or a combination of any of these substances for police to charge you with DUI or physical control.

Police use the following BAC thresholds to charge you with a DUI.

    • You have a BAC of .08% or higher.
    • You have a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher.
    • They use the following BAC thresholds to charge you with physical control.
    • You have a BAC of .08% or higher within 2 hours of being in physical control of a vehicle.
    • You have a THC of 5.00 or higher within 2 hours of being in physical control of a vehicle.
DUI is a Serious Offense
Driving under the influence is a serious offense. The specific level of a DUI offense, and the penalty a court is authorized to assess, depend on several factors, including the extent of a driver’s impairment due to drugs or alcohol and the number of a driver’s prior DUI offenses. A charge of driving under the influence requires careful preparation and an attorney who is experienced in local DUI law and courts.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment
A person accused of DUI in Washington State may be required to undergo an alcohol and drug treatment evaluation. There are three main components to this evaluation: the client, interview, the level of the breath test, and the number of DUI or alcohol related incidents. The single biggest factor in determining whether or not treatment will be recommended is the person’s DUI and alcohol or drug related history.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have effective representation immediately. An alleged DUI charge does not mean Guilty!

Even if you think the facts of the case aren’t in your favor, having the best possible criminal representation can be the difference between jail time and probation, or having your record destroyed with an avoidable felony or misdemeanor conviction. At Snohomish Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys give you time and attention, to ensure you are treated fairly under the criminal justice system.

We know State DUI Laws

We have a unique appreciation of the difficult challenges our clients face on a daily and long-term basis. We view our role as far more than just that of legal counsel. We are an extension of our clients’ lives.

Unlike lawyers at other law firms, our lawyers have dealt with thousands of cases, litigating matters of a wide range of severities and we have delivered important victories to our clients. Our reputation as aggressive, zealous advocates in the courtroom allows us to deliver results to our clients.

Our goal is to fight for and to deliver to you the best results possible, whether that be by way of an acquittal or favorable judgement at trial, a favorable settlement deal, or an outright dismissal. Unlike other firms, we will give you our all. There is no such thing as a case that is too big or too small.

To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us online or at 425-444-4444

30 Years of Experience.
We know the Law.

Our experienced attorneys handle a broad range of complex legal issues for individuals facing alleged criminal charges and complex personal injury cases. Snohomish Law Group is here for you. Every step of the way.
Ideating in Law
Experienced attorneys with an abundance of strategy and ideas to solve your problem.
Court Room Experience
Recognized by clients and peers for courtroom experience.
The Right People
Efficient, experienced and assertive. Our team is your team every step of the way.
Justice Served
We are dedicated to protecting your Civil Rights and ensuring your future.
https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SLG_PW_bio_pic-640x640.jpg

Your Future Matters. Our Results Prove It.

Personal Injury and Criminal charges can have life-long consequences. So can choosing the wrong attorney.

We provide no cost - no obligation legal consultation. To schedule an appointment, complete the form below, call or email us directly.

    The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship with the firm or any individual member of the firm. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

    Snohomish Law Group Wins Cases.
    While every case is different, the goal is always the same. Obtain a Dismissal.

    DUI

    Snohomish Law Group is dedicated to protecting your civil rights and will fight for you every step of the way. If you have been charged with a DUI start here.

    Criminal Defense

    SLG is dedicated to protecting your civil rights and will fight for you every step of the way. If you have been charged with a crime, start here.

    Personal Injury

    Snohomish Law Group is dedicated to providing help and support for those who have been seriously injured due to negligence or accidents. If you need help, start here.
    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/service_01_home_02.jpg
    IN THE COURTROOM

    Always There for You to Defend Your Rights

    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/service_02_home_02.jpg
    WIN NO MATTER WHAT

    Results, Communication and Value Guaranteed

    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/service_03_home_02.jpg
    WE'RE THERE FOR YOU

    Your Choice of Attorney Throughout the Process

    “Snohomish Law Group attorney Philip Wakefield did an outstanding job in representing my daughter. He laid out the legal process in detail, set expectations, and worked hard to obtain a better than hoped for result. Should anyone in the Snohomish area ever need an attorney, I highly recommend Snohomish Law Group!!”
    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/img-quote-01-160x160.jpg

    David Dalton

    “I’m going to write my review straight forward I was looking at being convicted of my 10th DUI I thought I was dead meat as they had me dead to rights. However Mr. Wakefield and his team proceeded to not only get the charge reduced but also no fine and no jail time. My eternal gratitude to the Snohomish Law Group”
    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/img-quote-02-160x160.jpg

    Jonathan Thomas

    “Mr. Wakefield and his expertise was able to get myself and my siblings a large chunk (Much more than we imagined) of our inheritance from our Auntie that was wrongfully taken from us after her passing. We are eternally grateful to Mr. Wakefield and all that helped him in our case, to achieve this settlement. Thank you so much for your compassion.”
    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/img-quote-03-160x160.jpg

    Roberta Lindsay

    First Choice
    Bernstein is the first choice for criminal law.
    Investigate
    We’re here to protect you in front of the court.
    Confront
    We can confront your arguments for you.
    Rule of Law
    We’ll be there to protect your rights in court.
    Amwerk
    Estato
    Konstrakt
    Addison
    Medicare
    Hotel California
    Codiqa
    Applauz
    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/footer_logo_home_02.png
    Bernstein
    We actively share our knowledge and pass down years of experience to maintain excellence throughout the firm.
    Reach Us
    We are diligent and determined because we care about the success of our clients.
    Social Networks
    Meet and greet us on our social media accounts, or just to say hi. You can find us here.
    Snohomish Law Group PLLC Footer Logo small
    Snohomish Law Group

    Snohomish Law Group PLLC represents clients throughout Washington State including Seattle, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Everett, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Marysville, Mill Creek, Tacoma, Federal Way and Eastern Washington. Serving King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
    Reach Us
    We look forward to hearing from you. We can help - even with a phone call.
    3216 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 206, Everett, WA 98201
    Company
    We are diligent and determined because we care about the success of our clients.
    Social Networks
    Meet and greet us on our social media accounts, or just to say hello. You can find us here.
    The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
    https://snohomishlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/floating_image_05.png

    2023 Copyright ©Snohomish Law Group PLLC / 2023 Copyright ©Little Red Rottenhood Design Media. All rights reserved.