Honolulu BUI Lawyer

BUI Attorney In Honolulu, HI

Facing BUI charges after a day on the water near Waikiki Beach can be overwhelming. A BUI can result in serious consequences, even if it is your first offense. If you are facing a boating under the influence charge, a trusted Honolulu BUI lawyer can help.
At The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson, we have over 20 years of experience defending the people of Honolulu and the surrounding areas. We understand the gravity of these charges and can work hard to develop a strong defense.

What Is BUI?

Boating under the influence, or BUI, means operating any type of vessel, such as a boat or jet ski, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2023, 79 deaths occurred in boating accidents as a result of impaired boat operation.
In Hawaii, it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence or be towed by a boat when under the influence. Hawaiian law states that a person is considered under the influence when they have a blood alcohol level of 0.08% within four hours after the time of the violation.

Consequences for BUI

BUI penalties are similar to the penalties for a DUI, or driving under the influence. You could face large fines, community service, and even jail time. Other penalties may include having your boat impounded and a requirement to take part in a drug or alcohol treatment program. A first BUI offense is a misdemeanor, but a second or repeat offense can be a felony, which brings more severe penalties, including higher fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and longer prison sentences.

Hire a BUI Lawyer

The legal system is complex, and navigating it can be challenging. If you have been charged with a BUI, it’s important to hire a seasoned BUI lawyer who has an understanding of the legal process and experience with boating under the influence cases.

A Honolulu BUI attorney can help by providing:

• An initial consultation. We can review your case and discuss defenses.
• An investigation. We can gather evidence and interview witnesses.
• Negotiate on your behalf. We can negotiate with the prosecutors to help reach a positive outcome.
• If your case goes to trial, we can represent you in court.

Possible BUI Defenses

If you are facing BUI charges, you have options. Some of the possible defenses that you may consider include:

• Challenge the evidence. As we review your case, we can look for weaknesses in the evidence against you. This could include breathalyzer results, the sobriety test, or witness statements.
• Plea bargain. We can negotiate a plea bargain to reduce the charges or minimize the penalties.
• Dispute with the boat operator. Unlike a car, it’s easy to switch boat operators. Your defense could be that you were not driving the boat.

Contact a BUI Attorney

At The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson, we understand Hawaii boating laws and have extensive experience representing clients in BUI cases in Honolulu. We can use our experience to mitigate the consequences of your charges as much as possible. If you have been charged with BUI, contact us as soon as possible.

Client Testimonials

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“I had an excellent experience working with Patrick. He was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and dedicated throughout my case. Thanks to his expertise and commitment, my issue was resolved successfully and with minimal stress. I truly appreciate their guidance, clear communication, and professionalism every step of the way. I highly recommend Patrick McPherson to anyone in need of reliable legal support.”
— Lucas Falcao
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“Best Lawyer in all of Honolulu! Pat was very nice and straight to the point. He gave me an entire run down of what was going to happen and exactly what he said happened. With Pats help I was able to get the outcome I wanted. Don’t settle for lawyers who will “discount” or lower their prices so they can represent you. Pat gave me one set price and it was worth every penny.

Thanks again Pat! 🤙🏽”
— Benjamin Rosa

We encourage you to read our Google Reviews and third-party ratings. Our strong reputation reflects our commitment to personalized service and real results for every client.

R. Patrick McPherson, Honolulu, HI Office

1001 Bishop St. Suite 1550 Honolulu, HI 96813