Skip to Content
Top
Boating Under the Influence Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Jacksonville BUI Lawyer

Arrested for Boating Under the Influence? Call (904) 701-0591 Today

The state of Florida is home to an avid population of recreational boaters who enjoy the lakes and oceans of Florida on a regular occasion. Recreational boating is one of the major pastimes for retired citizens and families alike and the weather is almost always compatible. In order to promote safety of these boaters, Florida law enforcement has gone to great lengths to remind citizens that they have a responsibility to drink responsibly while in control of a moving vehicle, especially boats.

While the law states that an officer of the law must have a reasonable cause to pull over a motor vehicle, the same does not apply to a boat. State boating officials can pull stop and board a boat simply to check a boat's registration or to conduct a safety investigation. This means that you may receive a boating under the influence citation even if you are not demonstrating impairment.

An officer can insist upon a field sobriety test once he or she is aboard your boat. The laws dictating the officer's actions put boaters at a higher risk for receiving BUI citations even though the standards for determining intoxication are the same. For this reason, it is important to contact a Jacksonville DUI lawyer from our firm immediately after you have received a BUI. There are many defenses that an attorney can employ on your behalf, but it is important to start your defense case early.

Hiring a Jacksonville BUI Lawyer

Florida currently leads the nation in boating fatalities. One of the main contributors to these fatalities is accidents caused by boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes, drivers are unaware of how being on the water can amplify the intoxicating effects of alcohol or drugs. Water distractions such a sea sickness, drastic weather conditions and more can all interfere with a driver's ability to operate his or her boat in a safe manner. If you have been charged with a BUI, you need to be aware of the consequences that you will face if convicted.

The following are some of the penalties associated with a BUI:

  • Fine of $500 for first-time offenders;
  • Up to six months in jail for first-time offenders; and
  • Mandatory boating safety course approved by the state

These penalties only worsen as the number of violations increases. If a BUI involves bodily injury, the presence of a minor or a fatality, the consequences may include prison time. Don't risk your future freedom; contact a talented Jacksonville BUI lawyer who you can trust. With approximately 100 years of combined legal experience, our legal team knows what it will take to clear your charges of boating under the influence.

We will fight tirelessly on your behalf both in and out of the courtroom, so call our Jacksonville DUI attorney at (904) 701-0591 today.

  • A Guided, Hands-On Approach
    Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
  • A Compassionate Team
    Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
  • Extensive Experience
    Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
  • Award-Winning Counsel
    Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Trusted & Recommended
    Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
  • Top-Rated Attorneys
    Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

    "Thanks so much you guys!!!!"
    This was my first time ever getting a lawyer, and I am extremely pleased with the service I received. They moved fast, and my case was dropped. I will definitely go back to them and highly recommend this great Firm!!!! Jason himself is a pleasure to speak with!!! He’s very nice, understanding, and down-to-earth. Thanks so much you guys!!!!
    - B.M.
    "Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job!"
    Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job! I would strongly recommend Mr. Porter, he is very easy to work with and does everything he can to help you in your situation.
    - N.B.
    "They are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard to get the job done."
    I have worked with Mr. Lorimier and Ms. Adams and they are both phenomenal. They are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard to get the job done. I highly recommend them both.
    - M.F.
    "Thankful to this firm for their hard work and dedication!"

    I unfortunately experienced a terrible accident and was hurt. I reached out to Jason Porter’s law firm, as he has helped my father in the past and is a trusted attorney in my family.

    Unfortunately, the process had a slow start due to many moving pieces. Hildy stepped in and things got moving IMMEDIATELY! She is amazing. So sweet, so understanding, so educated and intelligent regarding her position. Because of her, I felt assured and heard.

    Thankful to this firm for their hard work and dedication!

    - M.D.
    "You couldn't find a better lawyer anywhere."
    I haven't had a lot of legal problems in my life but enough to truly evaluate my attorneys. By far Jason Porter makes you feel like you are his only client. He knows the law and the legal loop holes. To boot he is a heck of a nice guy. You can trust him with your life. You feel that he loves his work and really cares about you. You couldn't find a better lawyer anywhere.
    - Ed W.
    "So grateful for the help they gave me"
    Jason and his legal team were great in handling my case, I was kept informed of everything that was going and had any and all questions answered.
    - Paul Maloney
    "If I could give 10 stars, I would"
    If I could give 10 stars, I would. I was blessed to have selected first, from a long list of lawyers, Jason Porter. From our first meeting, Jason was kind, comforting, and non-judgmental. Jason and his team fought long and hard for me, and our outcome was as predicted, far better than I was expecting considering my initial circumstances. A heart felt Thank You to Jason, Jonathan, and Darlene.
    - S.H.
    "I really felt like he cared about the outcome for me."
    My experience working with Mr. Thacher was that he was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to explain everything to me. He took a process that I was unfamiliar with and helped me understand all my options and be able to make the best decisions in my case, and I really felt like he cared about the outcome for me. I was referred to his law office, and I highly recommend him if you're in need of a defense attorney. He will work towards the best possible outcome for your case and has a lot of experience, so you can feel confident in his advice. The phone call I received today was nothing less than thrilling! Thanks again.
    - D. W.

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • *Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
  • $1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500

    Bodily Injury Claim

  • *Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
  • Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka

    Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.

  • *Medical Malpractice - $500,000