In recent years, not only has law enforcement significantly increased their efforts to remove impaired drivers from the roadways, their efforts have increasingly extended to the waterways. Consequently, those who have chosen to defend those accused of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, must understand and equip themselves with the tools necessary to defend those accused of operating a watercraft while under the influence. This is especially so in many Puget Sound and Eastern Washington Counties where boating is extremely popular. The attorneys at Cowan, Kirk & Gaston have developed extensive skills, through both training and experience, in defending those accused of Boating Under the Influence.
While driving a car after consuming alcohol is increasingly shunned upon by society, boating and drinking is not only socially accepted, but socially expected in most settings. Boating is a leisure activity, much the same as camping, RVing, skiing, golfing and other activities traditionally enjoyed in Washington state. The use of alcohol is traditionally part of the social aspect to each of these activities which attracts more and more participants each year. While society has not yet cried out to cease drinking on the lake on a sunny July Saturday, law enforcement is increasingly treating BUI as if it were a zero tolerance crime. While law enforcement’s efforts have certainly increased in recent years, aggressive and innovative advocacy can greatly improve the likelihood of bringing about a favorable outcome to your BUI case. The following web pages are but a brief overview of the laws and procedures surrounding those accused of BUI.
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