Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A.

BUI Defense

Van Riper & Nies believes in hard work and skill when fighting for their clients' rights.

Our attorney, Christian Van Riper, is a former Florida DUI Prosecutor.

If you have been arrested for a BUI (boating under the influence), you will need a DUI/BUI defense lawyer, with experience, who will aggressively fight to defend your rights and protect your freedom.

Our Florida lawyers are skilled trial attorneys. Both Christian and Tim are boat owners. Christian is a former DUI and BUI prosecutor for the State of Florida.  Timothy, a former U.S. Army Ranger, insurance company trial attorney, and member of the Maritime Law Association of the U.S. Our attorneys are uniquely qualified BUI defense attorneys.  

In the State of Florida, the laws governing the operation of a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol are similar to the DUI laws for operation of motor vehicles. To To be guilty of a BUI, the prosecutor, must prove that the boat operator:

• Has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater (.02% for operators under 21); or
• Impaired mental/physical abilities due to alcohol or any controlled substance.

Being arrested and charged with Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a serious charge.  If convicted, it will count as a prior DUI on any subsequent DUI offense you may be charged with.  Boat operators under  21 will be arrested and charged with a BUI if their if their BAC level is higher than .02%.

When faced with BUI charges, hiring a skilled and experienced BUI attorney is essential if you wish to protect your rights under Florida Law and avoid such legal penalties as jail time, steep fines, suspension of your driver's license, community service, probation, restitution (if someone was injured in an accident), mandatory alcohol-awareness courses, boat impoundment and more.   In addition, an experienced and tenacious  BUI defense lawyer can stand up to the prosecution and aggressively fight your charges throughout the BUI process.

Van Riper and Nies BUI Attorneys: Florida BUI Defense Lawyers