Penalties for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in Pennsylvania
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in PA
While boating on the water is a great way to relax on a hot summer day, it is imperative to understand that there can be severe legal consequences for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in Pennsylvania. If you find yourself in a situation where you are charged with BUI, it is important to know what to do to protect your future.
Categories and Penalties for BUI in PA
Offenses for BUI are outlined in the Title 30 Section 5502, and are categorized by the defendant’s BAC (“Blood Alcohol Content”) level. Accordingly, the categories and penalties for each are as follows:
Tier 1 – General Impairment (BAC 0.08-0.10)
First Offense
Mandatory minimum of six (6) months of probation
Maximum sentence of up to six (6) months in jail
Fine in the amount of $300
Completion of an approved boating safety course
Payment of court costs
Second Offense
Mandatory minimum of five (5) days of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to 6 months in jail
Fines ranging from $300 to $2,500
Completion of boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Third Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to 2 years in prison
Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
Completion of boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Tier 2 – High Rate of Alcohol (BAC 0.10-0.16)
First Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of forty-eight (48) hours of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to six (6) months of incarceration
Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
Completion of boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Second Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of thirty (30) days of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to six (6) months in jail
Fines ranging from $750 to $5,000
Completion of boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Third Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of ninety (90) days of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to five (5) years of incarceration
Fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000
Completion of boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Fourth or Subsequent Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of one (1) year of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to five (5) years of incarceration
Fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000
Completion of boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Tier 3 – Highest Rate of Alcohol (BAC 0.16 or higher)
First Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of forty-either (48) hours of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to six (6) months of incarceration
Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
Completion of an boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Second Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of thirty (30) days of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to six (6) months of incarceration
Fines ranging from $750 to $5,000
Completion of a boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Third Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of ninety (90) days of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to five (5) years of incarceration
Fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000
Completion of a boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
Fourth or Subsequent Offense
Mandatory minimum sentence of one (1) year of incarceration
Maximum sentence of up to five (5) years of incarceration
Fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000
Completion of a boater’s safety course
Payment of court costs
What should I do if charged with BUI in Pennsylvania?
If you find yourself charged with BUI, you need to contact an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney IMMEDIATELY. BUI cases are often defensible, and consulting with an attorney early is critical to safeguarding your future.
Charged with BUI? Give us a call TODAY! We offer free consultations and case evaluations. At Bishop Law LLC, a full dismissal of the charges is always our first priority.