BUI Attorney in Issaquah, WA

Skilled Defense for Boating Under the Influence Charges

For many Washington residents, spending time on Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington, or out on Puget Sound is a way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But a fun day on the water can turn serious fast if law enforcement suspects you of boating under the influence (BUI). In Washington State, BUI is treated much like driving under the influence—and the penalties can be severe.

If you’ve been arrested for boating under the influence in Issaquah or anywhere in King County, Snohomish County, or the nearby areas, it’s important to know that you still have rights and options. At DUIHeroes, our Issaquah BUI attorneys focus exclusively on defending DUI-related cases, including boating under the influence. We understand the specific laws that apply to BUI arrests and know how to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.

Contact us today at (425) 296-9358 to speak to an attorney at our firm about your situation. Your initial consultation is completely free.

Boating Under the Influence Laws in Washington State

Boating under the influence (BUI) is defined under RCW 79A.60.040. It’s illegal to operate or be in physical control of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any drug. A “vessel” includes nearly any type of watercraft, from motorboats and sailboats to Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, kayaks, and paddleboards.

You can be charged with BUI if you:

• Have an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, or
• Have a THC concentration of 5.00 nanograms or higher, or
• Are under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or drugs to a degree that impairs your ability to operate a vessel safely

Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged if the officer believes your ability to operate the vessel safely was affected.

How BUIs Are Charged in Washington 

Before 2013, boating under the influence in Washington was considered a simple misdemeanor. However, in 2013, the state legislature upgraded BUI to a gross misdemeanor, aligning the penalties more closely with standard DUI laws.

That means a conviction now carries penalties that include:

• Up to one year in jail
• A $5,000 fine

Washington also has implied consent rules for boaters, meaning that refusing a breath or blood test can result in separate penalties. Specifically, refusing to take a breath test for suspected BUI can result in a $1,000 fine.

Our Issaquah BUI attorneys know how prosecutors approach these cases, as well as how to challenge evidence effectively to protect our clients’ rights. Our 100% focus on DUI law and DUI-related cases allows us to remain at the forefront of Washington State’s DUI and BUI laws. No matter how complicated your situation may be, we’re here to provide the personal attention and guidance you need. 

How Are BUIs Different from DUIs in Issaquah? 

While boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a similar offense to DUI, there are several key differences boaters should understand. 

Some of these include: 

• No Driver’s License Suspension: Unlike with DUIs, a BUI conviction does not result in an automatic driver’s license suspension.
• Civil Penalties for Test Refusal: Refusing a breath test for BUI does not trigger a license suspension but instead carries a $1,000 civil fine.
• BUI Does Count as a Prior DUI: If you’re later charged with a standard DUI, a past BUI conviction can count as a “prior offense,” increasing potential penalties.
• BUI Applies to All Vessels: BUI laws apply not only to powered boats but also to sailboats, kayaks, and personal watercraft, like Jet Skis and Sea-Doos.
• THC Levels Matter: A THC concentration of 5.00 nanograms or higher is enough for a BUI charge, even without visible signs of impairment.

While BUI penalties may not directly impact your driver’s license, a conviction can still result in jail time and fines and may affect your employment, insurance premiums, and ability to operate a vessel in the future.

What to Do After a BUI Arrest in Issaquah

If you’ve been stopped or arrested for BUI in Issaquah or anywhere in Washington, what you do next can have a huge impact on your case.

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

1. Stay calm and cooperate. Resisting or arguing can make matters worse. You have the right to remain silent—use it.
2. Contact an Issaquah BUI lawyer immediately. The earlier you get legal help, the better your defense options may be. 
3. Avoid speaking with law enforcement without your attorney present. Even seemingly casual conversations can be damaging.

BUI cases often depend on the officer’s interpretation of impairment and field sobriety testing, which can be unreliable. A knowledgeable Issaquah BUI attorney from our firm can identify weaknesses in the state’s case and use them to your advantage.

Defending Against BUI Charges in Issaquah

A strong defense starts with understanding how law enforcement gathers evidence. BUI arrests often involve portable breath tests, field sobriety tests on uneven or unstable surfaces, and observations that are highly subjective. At DUIHeroes, we use our extensive DUI and BUI defense experience to challenge every part of the prosecution’s case.

 Common defense strategies include:

• Questioning the Legality of the Stop: Was local law enforcement or the U.S. Coast Guard justified in stopping your vessel? Random stops without reasonable cause could constitute a violation of your rights. 
• Challenging Test Accuracy: Breath and blood tests must be properly administered. We review maintenance logs, calibration records, and test procedures to determine if errors were made.
• Examining Officer Training and Procedures: Not all marine patrol officers have sufficient DUI or BUI training. We review training standards and procedures to determine whether an error or lack of training played a role in your arrest.
• Reviewing Alternative Reasons for Intoxication-Like Symptoms: Our Issaquah BUI defense lawyers investigate whether environmental factors—such as sun exposure, fatigue, or dehydration—may have caused signs mistaken for intoxication.

Why Choose Our BUI Lawyers in Issaquah?

When your future is at stake, you need a legal team that’s entirely dedicated to DUI law. Led by founding attorney, Jonathan Dichter, we have built our entire practice around helping clients accused of alcohol- and drug-related driving or boating offenses.

When you choose DUIHeroes, you get a team that: 

• Exclusively focuses on DUI and DUI-related defense 
• Has trained at the same level as law enforcement in DUI testing procedures
• Has an average 95% success rate in reducing or dismissing first-time offenses*
• Offers compassionate, nonjudgmental representation for every client

We know how stressful a BUI arrest can be, especially if it’s your first encounter with the law. Our team is here to protect you, explain your options, and provide an aggressive defense to help minimize the consequences of a conviction.

Speak with an Issaquah BUI Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, don’t wait to get legal help. BUI cases move quickly, and early attorney involvement can make the difference between serious penalties and a positive outcome. At DUIHeroes, we fight for good people who’ve found themselves in bad situations. Let our team stand up for you and your rights. 

Call (425) 296-9358 now or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your call.