As has happened over the past several years, there was an arrest spike during Seafair weekend this past weekend. Last year twenty six folks were arrested. This year forty four people were arrested, all but one for boating under the influence of alcohol. Like past Seafair years, there were emphasis patrols on Lake Washington which were conducted by the Washington State Patrol in conjunction with the US Coast Guard, and the Seattle Police and the Mercer Island Police Departments.
Like DUI, BUI has the legal limit for drinking of .08. Under RCW 79A.60.040, a conviction for Boating Under the Influence in Washington State is a Gross Misdemeanor and thus carries (gulp) a maximum jail sentence of 364 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $5,000.
Any person accused of BUI or DUI should consult with a qualified Seattle DUI lawyer. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI lawyer, among other things, can quite possibly save the aggrieved person thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, the extent of loss of privilege to drive, and the amount of jail time to be served. We have said it before and will say it again, Washington BUI/ DUI laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart and consult with a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or drug related BUI/ DUI in Washington State.
