Pass Christian Boating Under the Influence Lawyer
Pass Christian Boating Under the Influence Attorney
Boating is a fun recreational activity for many people, and since it’s on the water, it’s important to make the environment as safe as possible. To do that, Mississippi has strict laws about boating under the influence (BUI). If you’ve been charged with a BUI, you don’t have to face it alone. A Pass Christian boating under the influence lawyer has experience with these specific types of charges and can help you protect your rights and your freedom.
A boating under the influence conviction can have multiple penalties, and while it’s separate from a DUI, some of the consequences are the same. It’s important that you work with a BUI attorney to help mitigate them.
Why You Should Choose the Miller Law Offices
Kyle Miller at the Miller Law Offices has years of experience defending those who’ve been charged with boating under the influence. He is dedicated to providing solid representation and protecting your rights, not only as an individual but as a boater. He’s worked on multiple BUI cases and uses his experience to guide his clients through the difficult legal process toward a successful outcome.
Miller Law Offices understands that navigating this charge can be difficult for you and for your loved ones. They are here to support you and to provide you with confidence as you move forward. A BUI charge can impact your life and your future. BUI cases are unique and require someone well-versed and experienced to help you through them. Kyle Miller has that experience and more.
What Is Boating Under the Influence
Waterways are second only to highways in the number of accidental deaths per year in the United States. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or other substances can substantially limit a driver’s ability to avoid accidents, such as:
- Collisions with other vessels
- Capsizing
- Grounding the boat in shallow water or on rocks
To help prevent these, Mississippi created the Alcohol Boating Safety Act. In Mississippi, boating under the influence doesn’t just apply to alcohol but to any substance that impairs the driver. Anyone who is driving on Mississippi waters implies consent to submitting to a chemical or breathalyzer test. If the driver is found to be intoxicated, then they will be arrested.
BUI convictions could have the following penalties:
- First Offense: A fine between $250-1000, jail time up to 24 hours, and a mandated boating safety course
- Second Offense: A fine between $600-1000, jail time from 48 hours to one year, community service, and a suspension from operating a watercraft for up to one year
- Third Offense: A fine between $800-1000, jail time between 30 days and one year, and a ban from operating a watercraft for up to two years
- Fourth or More Offenses: A felony conviction with a fine of $2000-5000, 90 days to five years in the state prison, and a three-year ban from operating watercraft
These penalties can have a serious impact on your life. A Pass Christian boating under the influence lawyer is well-versed in how to defend you and can help navigate these charges.
Hire a Boating Under the Influence Lawyer
A skilled BUI lawyer understands the unique laws surrounding boating under the influence in Pass Christian. Among other things, a BUI attorney can do the following:
- Analyze the evidence and prepare a solid defense
- Challenge the evidence or how the officer collected the evidence
- Negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf
- Protect your rights
- Work for lighter penalties
Hiring a boating under the influence lawyer could help you navigate the challenging legal waters and protect your boating experience in the future.
Get Legal Help
FAQs
What Are the Possible Penalties for a BUI?
The penalties for a BUI depend on the specific circumstances and the number of previous offenses. In general, penalties can include a fine of up to $1,000, jail time, and your right to drive a watercraft could be suspended. The first offense could carry a fine as low as $250, with 24 hours as the maximum jail time, and a requirement to take a boating safety course. However, having multiple offenses can result in more severe penalties.
Does a BUI Affect My Driver’s License?
Whether a BUI affects the driver’s license depends on the state. Pass Christian, Mississippi sees boating under the influence as separate from driving and does not affect your driver’s license. However, it could still affect your insurance rates and appear on your record, which could impact other legal issues. If you are charged with a BUI, reach out to a BUI attorney who can help you understand how it might affect you.
Can the Local Police Board your Boat?
While the Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful search and seizure, a protection that extends to boats, there are exceptions to the rule. If, for example, the boat is moving recklessly on the water, then an officer might suspect boating under the influence and stop the boat to verify. Other reasons for boarding the boat might include:
- Smelling marijuana
- Safety and document checks
- Customs and border protections
- Consent from the owner
What Is an Example of Reckless or Negligent Operation of a Vessel?
Negligent operation of the boat means not paying attention to the vessel or the safety of those in and around it. This could look like speeding, not keeping a proper lookout, not following navigation rules, or causing a dangerous wake.
Reckless operation is purposely driving the vessel carelessly or dangerously. That might look like weaving in and out of the dock or between buoys, playing chicken with other vessels, or entering areas marked “No Boats.”
Contact the Miller Law Offices
Pass Christian Harbor offers a great place to boat recreationally, but if you’ve been charged with boating under the influence, you need help from a skilled BUI lawyer.
Boating under the influence is a unique part of the law that requires someone who has experience with it. Kyle Miller has helped defend BUI cases for years and is dedicated to protecting the rights of boaters and their future on the water. If you have been charged with a BUI, it’s crucial that you work with a BUI attorney.
We can help you move through this. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
Pass Christian Boating Under the Influence Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“My son has used Miller Law Office a few times. I can’t say enough about how outstanding Mr. Miller is. He has always been very easy to work with and has always taken time to explain the process at hand. If you need legal assistance I would definitely recommend you call today! Hands down the best attorney office I’ve worked with.” – Myrnique Finch
★★★★★
“After hiring Mr. Miller I was very pleased with the outcome! Him and his staff were very helpful, professional and courteous through the entire process. I highly recommend hiring Mr. Miller to represent anyone that’s looking for an attorney!” – Dylan Hill
★★★★★
“Mr. Miller helps me a lot always have been there for me whatever I get myself into. He is very kind and a great lawyer. He takes no time and gets to work on a case. Always respectful and honest, and always responds to my questions.” – Anna
Pass Christian Boating Under the Influence Resources:
Copyright © 2025 Miller Law Offices, PPLC. All rights reserved.
Digital Marketing By 