BUI Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga
Your Lifeline for BUI Defense in Rancho Cucamonga
If you are facing Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges in Rancho Cucamonga, having the right legal team makes all the difference. At the Law Offices of Brian E. Skibby, we bring over 25 years of trial-tested criminal defense experience to protect your future, your reputation, and your freedom.
As a respected BUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, our firm has extensive knowledge of local courts and law enforcement practices, providing hands-on, client-focused support in San Bernardino County and throughout the surrounding areas. Our personal service, commitment to results, and respected standing in the legal community ensure you receive trusted representation when you need it most.
Your freedom is our priority. Our firm offers free consultations, and we are available 24/7. Contact a skilled BUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga today at (909) 695-0095 or reach out online to get the legal representation you need.
Understanding BUI Laws in California
California's BUI laws, outlined in Harbors and Navigation Code Section 655, are similar to the state's DUI laws but have their own unique set of regulations and consequences. A knowledgeable Rancho Cucamonga BUI defense lawyer must understand the key distinctions and legal presumptions to build an effective defense.
California law defines BUI in several ways:
- Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: This is the equivalent of a "wet reckless" charge on land. The law makes it a crime to operate any vessel (from a rowboat to a motorized boat, jet ski, or even water skis) while "under the influence" of alcohol or drugs. This means your mental or physical abilities are impaired to the point that you cannot operate the boat with the caution of a sober person.
- Operating a Recreational Vessel with a BAC of 0.08% or Higher: This is California's "per se" BUI law. You can be charged with BUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, regardless of whether your boating was actually impaired.
- Operating a Commercial Vessel with a BAC of 0.04% or Higher: For individuals operating a commercial vessel, the BAC limit is much lower.
- Zero Tolerance for Underage Boaters: For individuals under the age of 21, it is illegal to operate a vessel with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system (a BAC of 0.01% or greater).
It is important to note that, unlike with a DUI, a BUI conviction does not automatically result in a driver's license suspension. However, a prior BUI can be used to enhance the penalties for a future DUI, and a future DUI conviction can also be used to enhance a future BUI.
Our firm is experienced in navigating these complex connections between the two types of offenses. We will provide you with a meticulous and strategic defense against a BUI charge, and we have the legal knowledge to protect your rights. Our firm is a trusted BUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga.
Penalties of BUI Convictions in California
A BUI conviction in California can result in serious and long-lasting penalties that should not be taken lightly. Our firm is committed to fighting for an outcome that protects your freedom and future.
Direct Penalties (First Offense):
- Jail Time: A first-time BUI conviction without injury is typically a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail.
- Fines: Fines can reach up to $1,000, not including a variety of fees and assessments that can significantly increase the total cost.
- Boating Safety and Education Classes: A court will often order you to complete a boating safety course and a DUI alcohol education program.
- Probation: You may be placed on a period of probation for a term of up to five years.
Collateral Consequences:
- Criminal Record: A BUI conviction will appear on your criminal record. This can make it difficult to secure employment, rent a home, or apply for professional licenses.
- Enhanced Penalties for Future Offenses: A prior BUI conviction can be used to enhance the penalties for a future BUI or DUI offense, leading to more severe punishments, including a potential felony charge.
- Insurance: Your insurance premiums for both your boat and your car can increase dramatically following a BUI conviction.
- Reputation: The social stigma of a BUI conviction can impact your personal and professional relationships.
While a BUI conviction does not automatically result in a driver's license suspension, a judge can order a suspension of your boating privileges. Additionally, our firm is aware that some prosecutors will use a BUI charge as leverage to get a plea on a DUI charge, and we will not allow that to happen without a fight. We are a diligent Rancho Cucamonga BUI defense lawyer.
Our Comprehensive Approach to BUI Defense
Our firm's approach to BUI defense is aggressive, strategic, and proactive. We believe that a successful defense requires a thorough understanding of the law and a willingness to challenge the prosecution at every turn.
Our defense strategies include:
- Challenging the Boating Behavior: We will analyze the officer's report on your boating behavior and argue that it does not show impairment. We can present evidence that your boating was not reckless and that any perceived erratic behavior was due to environmental factors.
- Scrutinizing the Field Sobriety Tests: FSTs on a boat or on an unsteady dock are highly unreliable. We will challenge the administration of these tests and argue that their results are invalid. This is a key line of defense for a BUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga.
- Attacking the Chemical Test Results: We will question the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test, including the calibration of the machine, the chain of custody of the blood sample, or the qualifications of the person who administered the test.
- Proving Innocence: In some cases, we can prove your innocence by presenting evidence that you were not the one operating the vessel. This can be crucial in cases where there were multiple people on the boat.
- Negotiating a "Wet Reckless" or other Lesser Charge: Our firm's ultimate goal is a dismissal, but if a dismissal is not possible, we will negotiate with the prosecution to have the BUI charge reduced to a "wet reckless" or other lesser offense that carries less severe penalties.
We are committed to a vigorous and determined defense. We are not afraid to stand up to prosecutors and fight for your rights. Our firm is a dedicated Rancho Cucamonga BUI defense lawyer.
Why Choose Our Team for BUI Defense
It is essential to choose a defense team with the knowledge and resources to handle boating under the influence charges effectively.
Here’s why clients trust us for BUI defense in Rancho Cucamonga:
- 25+ Years of Defense Experience: Our background representing clients in Rancho Cucamonga courts gives us deep insight into regional procedures and proven defense strategies for BUI cases.
- Strong Local Relationships: Our firm is respected by area judges and prosecutors, resulting from years of credibility and client-centered advocacy in San Bernardino County.
- Personalized, Direct Support: Clients benefit from hands-on guidance, never being passed along or left without answers throughout the legal process.
- Accessible Services: We offer free consultations, fair rates, manageable payment plans, and 24-hour emergency legal assistance—ensuring help is always within reach.
- Clear Communication: From start to finish, you always know where your case stands and what to expect in the next stage of your defense.
Our ability to take immediate action often means the difference between a manageable situation and one that becomes overwhelming. Thanks to our deep familiarity with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit and other local agencies, we are uniquely positioned to challenge procedural mistakes and safeguard your rights at every step.
Our approach combines investigative rigor, individualized legal strategies, and close working relationships within the Rancho Cucamonga court system. When you entrust your BUI case to us, you receive comprehensive guidance and clear communication—ensuring you understand every aspect of your defense and the impact of a potential conviction on your boating and driving privileges.
Our Process for Defending BUI Charges in Rancho Cucamonga
California treats boating under the influence offenses with the same seriousness as DUI defense, and local prosecutors have little tolerance for violations. As your BUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, we walk you through each stage with a focus on clarity and strategy.
Here’s what sets our legal process apart:
- In-Depth Case Review: We analyze every detail of your arrest, from the validity of the stop by local law enforcement to the procedures followed by sheriff’s deputies during field sobriety or chemical tests on area lakes.
- Challenging Evidence: Our experience allows us to scrutinize field sobriety results, breathalyzer accuracy, and the admissibility of officer testimony—looking for weaknesses or procedural errors to challenge in court.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: Known for integrity and experience, we are often able to negotiate reduced penalties, alternative sentencing options, or case dismissals, leveraging our standing in local courts.
- Guidance Through Court Proceedings: From arraignment at West Valley Superior Court to any post-hearing requirements, we keep you prepared and explain each legal step, so you always know what’s next.
- Supporting Your Emotional Well-Being: We understand the stress that comes with criminal charges and provide straightforward advice, emergency support, and reassurance throughout the process.
Contact a BUI Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga for Immediate Support
Addressing BUI charges as soon as possible with support from the Law Offices of Brian E. Skibby can minimize long-term consequences and provide peace of mind. Schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and the best next steps.
With our 24-hour emergency access, hands-on approach, and flexible payment plans, you’ll never have to face the Rancho Cucamonga courts alone.
Call (909) 695-0095 or reach out online today—our team is ready to answer your questions and start building your defense right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties can result from a BUI in Rancho Cucamonga?
Penalties for BUI can include fines, possible jail time, probation, mandatory education programs, and restrictions on both boating and driving privileges. Consequences may increase with prior convictions or if injuries were involved.
Can you fight a BUI charge in court?
Yes, BUI charges can be challenged in court by disputing the circumstances of the stop, the validity of field sobriety tests, or the accuracy of breath or blood tests. Each case is unique, and defenses will vary with the facts.
Will a BUI impact my driver's license?
In some circumstances, a BUI charge may trigger DMV proceedings affecting your driver's license, especially if drugs are involved or if you refuse chemical testing. Our team handles these proceedings alongside your criminal defense.
What should I do immediately after being arrested for BUI?
After a BUI arrest, it is important to invoke your right to remain silent and request legal representation. Timely legal advice is crucial for protecting your rights and building an effective defense.