Kapolei BUI Lawyer

BUI Attorney In Kapolei, HI

Operating a boat or vessel in the Ko Olina Lagoons or along Kahe Point while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and carries the potential for life-altering consequences. Hawaii treats BUI much like driving a car under the influence, with similar penalties. If you have been charged with BUI, an experienced Kapolei BUI lawyer may be able to help you fight the charges.
The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson has over 20 years of experience defending people who have been charged with DUI and BUI. Our firm can aggressively fight the charges and work hard to keep your driving record clean.

What Is Boating Under the Influence?

Hawaii law §291E-61 states that it is against the law to operate a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant. An intoxicant can be a drug or alcohol in an amount sufficient to impair their normal ability to operate the vehicle carefully.
The main difference between boating while intoxicated and driving while intoxicated is the type of transportation, but the penalties are similar. A Coast Guard report states that alcohol was the leading factor in fatal boating accidents, with 79 deaths.

Why Hire a BUI Lawyer?

Since the definition of a vehicle in Hawaii includes the term vessel, a BUI conviction can affect your driving record. This makes it even more important to hire a trusted BUI lawyer if you are facing charges for operating a boat or vessel under the influence. Losing your license may impact your life if you have problems getting to work.

An experienced attorney may be able to help you avoid BUI penalties, such as:

• Fines
• Suspension of your automobile license
• Criminal record
• Mandatory drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• Community service
• Jail time

Defenses for BUI

A seasoned Kapolei BUI attorney with experience in boating under the influence cases can navigate the complexities of your case. They can build a strategic defense on your behalf.
Since the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was operating the boat while under the influence, many defenses focus on creating reasonable doubt.

Some of the possible defenses could be:

• Illegal stop. Law enforcement must have a valid reason to stop a boat. An attorney can argue that there was no legal basis for the stop, which can help your defense.
• Challenging field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests can be unreliable when on a boat due to the weather and water conditions. A good attorney may challenge the reliability of the tests.
• Insufficient evidence of impairment. Your attorney can argue that the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Challenging the breathalyzer. An attorney can challenge the timing and accuracy of the breathalyzer.

Contact a BUI Attorney

Facing BUI charges can be overwhelming. Contact The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson today for a consultation. We can review the facts of your case and determine the course of action. We are ready to fight for your rights and defend your reputation.

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, Kapolei, HI Office

1001 Bishop St. Suite 1550 Honolulu, HI 96813

Kapolei, HI, DUI Resource

• Diverse consequences of a DUI charge
• The consequences of DUI in Hawaii