Jacksonville BUI Attorney

How Our Jacksonville Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight DUI Charges

According to Florida statute 316.1933, it is illegal to operate any type of watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes jet skis, canoes, kayaks, and anything else that can be used to move through the water. If you are pulled over for suspected BUI and taken to the police station, you will be asked to submit to a breath, urine, or blood test. If you refuse, you will face even harsher penalties than if you had taken the test and failed.

At Monroe Law, P.A., we have handled hundreds of DUI cases and know how to help our clients avoid conviction. If you are facing a BUI charge in Jacksonville, we can help you fight the charges against you and get the best possible outcome for your case.

When searching for a BUI attorney in Jacksonville, it is essential to find legal counsel who understands both the technical details of alcohol testing and local procedures in the Duval County courts. A lawyer who is familiar with local prosecutorial tactics is better positioned to challenge evidence or identify errors during the arrest process. Our history of trial success and experience on both the defense and prosecution sides provide a crucial advantage to clients facing these charges in northeast Florida. Monroe Law, P.A. also ensures personal attention for each case, whether we are investigating the circumstances of your boat stop on the St. Johns River or preparing for hearings at the Duval County Courthouse.

Understanding the BAC Limit for BUI in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, Florida, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operating a boat under the influence is 0.08%. According to Florida law, a person is considered to be "under the influence" if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher while operating a vessel. It's important to note that this limit applies to individuals aged 21 and above. For individuals under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system may lead to penalties. 

Because boating is such a popular activity throughout Jacksonville, law enforcement agencies like the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission actively patrol local waterways. If you are stopped for suspected BUI near Jacksonville Beach or along the Intracoastal Waterway, the precise BAC measurement can determine the outcome of your case. Consulting with a BUI lawyer as soon as possible is vital, so your rights are protected from the start of the investigation.

Your Rights and Legal Options After a BUI Arrest in Jacksonville

Understanding your rights after being arrested for BUI is the first step toward building a strong legal defense. When law enforcement officers initiate a stop and conduct sobriety tests on local waterways such as the St. Johns River, you are entitled to certain legal protections under Florida law. Choosing a BUI attorney who is familiar with Jacksonville-area courts and police procedures can significantly affect the course of your case and ensure your rights are preserved from the outset.

If you are arrested, your attorney can guide you through the process and help you evaluate your legal options, which may include challenging the basis for the stop, the methods used for BAC testing, or the procedures the arresting officers followed. Working with an experienced BUI lawyer in Jacksonville also means you will have someone who understands the local prosecutorial culture at the Duval County Courthouse. This knowledge allows your legal team to anticipate how charges may be pursued and negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Some key steps to take immediately after a BUI arrest include:

• Requesting legal representation to ensure your rights are protected during questioning and all subsequent proceedings.
• Documenting details about the stop and your interactions with law enforcement, including the location, time, and names of officers involved.
• Avoiding discussions about your case with anyone other than your attorney, as statements may be used in court.

Each BUI case in Jacksonville can involve unique circumstances, from specific local regulations on the waterways to how testing was conducted and evidence was gathered. By seeking legal guidance quickly, you put yourself in the best possible position to address charges in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, or Nassau counties.

Schedule your initial consultation with our Jacksonville BUI attorney by calling (904) 507-6194 or filling out our online form.

Understanding the Penalties for BUI in Florida

If you are convicted of BUI, you will face penalties that vary depending on whether it is your first, second, or third offense. 

The range of BUI penalties in Florida includes:

• First-time BUI offenders may be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
• Second-time offenders will be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to 9 months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
• Third-time offenders will be charged with a felony and face up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5000 fine.
• If you are under the age of 21 and caught operating a vessel with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

In addition to jail time and fines, you will also have to complete a DUI program and may have your boating privileges suspended for up to 12 months. If you refuse to take a breath, urine, or blood test when pulled over for BUI, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and face up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1000 fine. If you are under the age of 21 and refuse a breath test, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and face up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1000 fine. If you are over the age of 21 and refuse a breath, urine, or blood test, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to 9 months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.

Facing BUI penalties in Jacksonville can also mean mandatory community service, probation, and possible impoundment of your vessel, depending on the facts of your case. Sentencing may be influenced by factors such as whether property damage occurred, if there were minors on board, or if injuries resulted from the incident. A BUI lawyer in Jacksonville can review your arrest documents and help you understand your unique situation under Florida law. Because the court process typically takes place in county-level settings such as the Duval County or St. Johns County courthouses, local procedures and prosecutorial approaches can affect everything from bond amounts to sentencing recommendations. Retaining a legal team that regularly practices in northeast Florida courts can be a critical step in achieving a favorable resolution.