Atlanta, Ga. - Looking forward to this holiday weekend, as a Georgia DUI Lawyer, there are a few reminders I would like to throw out there.
Many who live in the Metro Atlanta Area will be spending this Labor Day Weekend out on any one of the numerous waterways in the state of Georgia. And as much as this is a weekend to celebrate, it is also a time to be responsible and to stay safe. Many Georgians are unaware of the amount of alcohol and drug related deaths that occur on Georgia lakes and rivers. Most believe that drinking and operating a watercraft is legal under Georgia Law.
So it comes as a surprise when a DNR Officer pulls a boat over and conducts a BUI investigation. It also unfortunately comes as a surprise when the person is facing a lot of the same penalties as receiving a DUI in the state of Georgia.
In today's post, I will outline the law behind BUI as it is stated by Georgia Law. And as always, questions are welcomed either by online submission or by simply calling into our firm.
BUI in Georgia
By law, boating under the influence is defined as:
Operating any boat, personal watercraft (jet skis, wave runners), water skis, sailboat, or sailboard while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Also, it is illegal for an owner of a boat or personal watercraft to let anyone operate their boat or personal watercraft while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Every person convicted of violating this Code section shall, upon a first or second conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor; upon a third conviction thereof, be guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor; and upon a fourth or subsequent conviction thereof, be guilty of a felony. Georgia BUI Penalties include the following punishments for a first BUI conviction:
- A fine between $300 and $1,000.
- A period of imprisonment of not fewer than ten days nor more than 12 months, which period of imprisonment may, at the sole discretion of the judge.
- At least 40 hours of community service.
- Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.
- A clinical evaluation.
- A probation of 12 months less any days during which the person is actually incarcerated.
Practice Note
If you have been arrested for BUI or DUI in Georgia - call our offices today.
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