Tennessee Boating Under the Influence Lawyer, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, and Knox County DUI Defense Law Firm
Boating in Knoxville and its surrounding counties is a favorite summertime activity. Fort Loudon, Norris, Douglas, Cherokee, and Watts Bar Lake are all popular destinations for people living in and around the Knoxville area. Consequently, BUI (boating under the influence) charges are common in these parts.
In Tennessee, it is illegal for any person or persons to operate any recreational or commercial vessel on the public waters of the state while under the influence of any intoxicant, cannabis, narcotic drug, or drug-producing stimulant on the central nervous system.
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Just like driving under the influence, a BUI charge has serious consequences. Being convicted of BUI can result in a fine ranging from $250 to $5,000, a mandatory sentence ranging from 30 days to as many as 11 months and 29 days in jail, as well as having your boating license suspended for between 1 and 10 years.
In most Tennessee BUI cases, the arresting agency is the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Tennessee BUI cases present unique challenges. A Tennessee attorney experienced in BUI, DUI, and alcohol or drug-related cases will investigate and challenge the prosecutor’s case. Like other alcohol-related driving or boating crimes, there are several defenses available, even if you had a few drinks while enjoying your day at the lake or on the river. Of course, the success of those defenses depends on hiring an attorney familiar with defending BUI cases in Tennessee courts.
