Kirkland BUI Attorneys

Building a Strong Defense Against Boating Under the Influence Charges

Kirkland’s position along the shores of Lake Washington makes it one of the region’s most popular destinations for boating and water recreation. With heavy summertime activity at Marina Park, Juanita Beach, and Waverly Beach Park, local law enforcement—including the Kirkland Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and Washington State Parks—maintains a visible presence on the water. As a result, boaters may be more likely to encounter safety inspections and, in some cases, BUI (boating under the influence) investigations.

If you’ve been cited or arrested for BUI, it’s important to take the charge seriously. A conviction can result in serious fines, potential jail time, and other harsh consequences. At DUIHeroes, our Kirkland BUI lawyers focus exclusively on DUI-related defense. We understand how these cases are investigated, prosecuted, and won—and we know how to protect your rights from the very beginning.

Call (425) 296-9358 now or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled BUI attorney in Kirkland.

BUI Penalties in Kirkland, Washington

Under RCW 79A.60.040, boating under the influence is a gross misdemeanor and carries criminal penalties that can significantly affect your life. While many people think of BUI as less serious than driving under the influence, the consequences can be just as severe.

Criminal penalties may include:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines of up to $5,000
• Mandatory alcohol or drug evaluation and treatment, if ordered by the court
• Probation, community service, or alcohol monitoring
• Restitution for damages (if injuries or property damage occurred) 

Collateral Consequences of a BUI Conviction

The consequences of a BUI conviction don’t just end in court. They can have long-term effects on your personal and professional life, including:

• A criminal record visible on background checks for employment or housing
• Increased insurance premiums or policy cancellations
• Limitations on boating privileges, including restrictions on operating a vessel
• Potential complications with professional licensing or security clearance

Even though a BUI conviction does not lead to a driver’s license suspension through the Department of Licensing (DOL), prosecutors in King County still treat these cases seriously. 

How a Kirkland BUI Attorney Can Help

Because boating under the influence cases rely heavily on officer judgment, environmental conditions, and field testing on the water, there is significant room for error. Our team carefully reviews every detail to identify procedural issues and build a strong defense. 

Common defense strategies include:

• Challenging the legality of the stop or boarding. Did officers have probable cause to detain you?
• Questioning field sobriety and breath testing methods. Were tests conducted safely and properly on unstable surfaces? Were testing devices calibrated?
• Highlighting lack of impairment evidence. Physical signs of fatigue, sun exposure, or dehydration can be mistaken for intoxication.
• Investigating procedural or constitutional violations. If officers violated your rights at any stage, key evidence may be excluded from trial.

With extensive experience in DUI and DUI-related law, including BUI, our attorneys know how to expose weak evidence and push for dismissals, charge reductions, or alternative sentencing options whenever possible.

Why Choose Our Kirkland BUI Attorneys? 

When you work with DUIHeroes, you’re choosing a team that brings unmatched focus and skill to your defense.

• Exclusive DUI and BUI Focus: Our firm handles only DUI and BUI-related cases.
• Elite Training and Experience: We have over 50 years of combined experience, and our team includes two former prosecutors.
• Nationally Recognized Leadership: Founding attorney, Jonathan Dichter, serves as Washington’s State Delegate to the National College for DUI Defense, is a certified NHTSA SFST Instructor, and trains other lawyers nationwide in advanced DUI defense techniques.
• Proven Results: Since 2009, we’ve achieved reductions or dismissals in an average of 95% of first-time DUI cases.*
• Direct, Personalized Attention: You’ll speak directly with your attorney—not a call service—so you get answers when you need them.

We limit our caseload to ensure every client receives the care, communication, and attention their case deserves.

Contact a Kirkland BUI Lawyer Today

You don’t have to face a boating under the influence charge alone. At DUIHeroes, we know how stressful and confusing this process can be, and we’re here to guide you through every step. Our BUI lawyers in Kirkland are ready to handle all communication with law enforcement and prosecutors, build a comprehensive defense, and fight for the best possible outcome for your future.

Call (425) 296-9358 today to speak with a Kirkland BUI lawyer. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide the immediate help and trusted legal support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About BUI in Kirkland

What Are the Penalties for BUI in Washington?

A BUI is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000. The court may also order treatment, probation, or community service. Penalties can vary depending on your prior record and the details of your case.

Can I Refuse a Breath or Field Sobriety Test While Boating?

You may refuse a breath test, but doing so is a civil infraction and comes with a fine under RCW 79A.60.040. Officers can seek a warrant for a blood draw if they believe you’re impaired. Field sobriety tests on boats are not mandatory, but prosecutors may try to use a refusal to take a field sobriety test against you in court.

Does a BUI Affect My Driver’s License?

No, a BUI does not trigger a driver’s license suspension through the Department of Licensing. However, it can still result in serious criminal penalties and long-term personal consequences.