In Georgia it is a misdemeanor crime to Boat Under the Influence (BUI) or Operate a Vessel While Intoxicated. As with any criminal charge, it is always advisable to hire a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Automobile and Boating Under the Influence Cases are similar in many aspects, but it is the differences between the two that make it important to hire a Georgia Accident Attorney.
In 2013, Boating Laws in Georgia are changing. Â Due to recent boating tragedies on Lake Lanier new laws are being added to promote safety on Georgia waters. Â Learn more here: Georgia’s New 2013 Boating Laws
Like an automobile case, there are always questions about what the officer observed, Field Sobriety Testing implementation and accuracy, Breath Test legality and results, the influence of alcohol and more.
Unlike an automobile case, a vessel operator can have open containers of alcohol while operating the boat, Â the operator (on Georgia waters)Â can legally have a higher level of Blood/ Breath Alcohol Content (BAC), some Field Tests are behind the times in boating cases, the Constitutional protections are very different, the environment of the stop, as well as many other issues.
The lake environment of a Operating a Vessel Under the Influence case is a crucial factor in evaluating and defending a BUI case. A stop on the lake has issues of sun exposure, rocking of the boat, and stress on the operator due to sun, wind, water and noise.  These factors may weaken the State’s case and need to evaluated by a Georgia Boat Accident Lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for Georgia Boating Under the Influence (BUI)/ Operating a Vessel While Intoxicated please contact us immediately for a Free Consultation.
Please visit Georgia’s Boating Laws in our article & video library for more information about Boating accidents, BUI, Boating Safety and Boater Education.
Please email us or call us at 770-783-5296 if you have been arrested for BUI.  Your initial consultation is free & confidential.
Areas We Serve: In our experience, local knowledge is crucial to BUI Defense, so we are up front about the areas where we handle cases. To be effective, a BUI lawyer must be familiar with the court,the judges, and the prosecutors of your BUI case. We believe we can best serve a client with a BUI in Hall County, Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Jackson County, and Helen. We have been there before and know what we are doing.