In terms of BUI charges and connecting incidents, it is urgent that you understand your rights and applicable laws fully. Boating under the influence is a serious crime in which you could lose your license for one year or longer. If an accident with injury occurs, there is a higher probability that you could face additional allegations. If you’re involved in a boating accident and charged with BUI, you should contact Criminal Attorneys in Hattiesburg MS immediately.
Reviewing the Events
With any alcohol-related charge, you must understand that you have the right to refuse testing. You also have the right to invoke your right to an attorney immediately upon your arrest. Refusal of the arresting or booking officer to comply with this request is a violation of your civil rights. According to Mississippi DUI and BUI laws, if you refuse to submit to testing, the county can suspend your license. They cannot detain you without clear evidence.
Fighting Back Against Allegations
A commonly overlooked volume of evidence is the number of alcoholic beverages you drank prior to the accident. You should write these values down for your criminal attorneys along with what foods you ate. While this may not seem important, it is. These factors determine how quickly the alcohol metabolizes in your body. The amount of time which passed between the consumption of each beverage and the exact time in which you got behind the wheel are equally as important to your defense case.
Additional Penalties and Connecting Charges
BUI in association with accidents with injuries could lead to additional criminal charges as well as civil penalties. In most occurrences, you’ll face the penalty for BUI, which is assigned according to any previous convictions you have. However, if a fatality occurs, you could face additional manslaughter charges. In both instances, the victim or their family has the right to file a civil case against you for damages. When this is the case, you’ll need to hire a Boat accident lawyer to represent you.
Boating under the influence encompasses the operation of any vessel both motorized and non-motorized. Any law enforcement officials patrolling the waters has the right to stop you with probable cause. If you are charged and arrested, you should invoke your right to Criminal Attorneys in Hattiesburg MS promptly and remain silent.
