The Hoffman Firm The Hoffman Firm

Miami BUI Defense Attorney

Handling Boating under the Influence Cases in Fort Lauderdale

Boating is one of Floridians' favorite recreational activities. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement, there were 873, 507 registered vessels in Florida – more than any other state in the U.S. The majority of those vessels are registered to owners in Miami-Dade County.

With such a high number of vessels, boating accidents are inevitable. In 2014 Florida, led the nation with the highest number of boating accidents. Alcohol is the eighth leading cause of boating accidents across the state.

If you have been charged with boating under the influence for allegedly operating a boat, Jet Ski, speedboat, or other watercraft, it is imperative to consult an experienced Miami boating under the influence lawyer.

A BUI conviction has several negative impacts, including a criminal record, driver's license suspension, jail time, and/or steep fines. At The Hoffman Firm, our skilled criminal defense lawyer has the experience and knowledge to appropriately examine the evidence against you and build the strongest defense possible on your behalf. Attorney Evan Hoffman is a former prosecutor who has prosecuted countless DUI and BUI cases. He knows the tactics and strategies used by prosecutors and will use them to obtain favorable result in your case.


Call (305) 928-1669, if you are in Miami, 954-737-3004 if your case is out of Broward County, now and schedule your free case consultation.


BUI Penalties

For a first BUI conviction, the individual may face the following criminal penalties:

  • A fine between $500 and $1,000
  • Imprisonment for no more than six months

The criminal penalties for a second BUI conviction are more severe and include:

  • A fine between $1,000 and $2,000
  • Imprisonment for no more than nine months

The criminal penalties for a third BUI depend on the time since the last BUI conviction. A third BUI within 10 years of a previous conviction is considered a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of no more than $5,000.

An individual convicted of BUI more than 10 years after the previous offense faces the following criminal penalties:

  • A fine between $2,000 and $5,000
  • Imprisonment for no more than 12 months

An individual convicted for a fourth or subsequent BUI commits a felony of the third- degree regardless of when any prior conviction for BUI occurred.

BUI With Property Damage

The aforementioned criminal penalties govern BUI charges when there was no property damage, serious injury to another person, or death of another. Florida law imposes stiffer criminal penalties when property damage occurs.

Any person who operates a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes or contributes to causing property damage commits a first-degree misdemeanor. A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000.

BUI with Serious Bodily Injury

An individual who commits BUI and causes or contributes to causing serious bodily injury to another commits a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of no more than $5,000.

Serious bodily injury under Florida law is defined as an injury to any person, including the operator, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

BUI Manslaughter

If death occurs while an individual is boating under the influence, the operator may be charged with BUI manslaughter. BUI manslaughter is a first-degree or second-degree felony depending on the particular facts of the case.

An individual may be charged with second-degree felony BUI manslaughter if the death of another occurs. A second-degree felony is punishable by a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of no more than $10,000.

The criminal penalties for BUI manslaughter substantially increase if the operator knew or should have known an accident occurred and failed to give information and render aid as required under Florida law. A conviction under this provision is considered a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Retain Our Miami BUI Defense Attorney

The criminal penalties for BUI are severe and can be devastating both professionally and personally. It is highly recommended to consult an experienced BUI defense lawyer. Evan Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm has years of experience in BUI, DUI, and DUID cases.


Call (305) 928-1669 if you are in Miami, 954-737-3004 if you are in Broward County, now or contact our firm online to get started.


Why Should You Hire The Hoffman Firm? Here Are a Few Reasons:

  • Client-Focused Representation
    Our Firm is dedicated to client satisfaction. We are available 24/7 to help those in need.
  • Decades of Experience
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has over two decades of experience fighting for the accused.
  • Premier Criminal Defense Firm
    Experienced Attorney Evan Hoffman has handled some of the most high profile and complex cases.
  • Proven Track Record
    Client satisfaction is our top priority. At The Hoffman Firm we take great pride in our success and case victories.
  • Florida Former State Prosecutor
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has extensive knowledge of the strategies used by prosecutors throughout Florida.
  • Free Initial Consultation
    We offer free initial consultations to ensure that we have your best interests in mind.

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