BUI

Coral Gables BUI Defense Attorney

Former Prosecutor Bringing 40+ Years of Experience to BUI Defense

An accusation of boating under the influence can lead to an arrest and a criminal case. A BUI allegation can depend on whether the state can prove vessel operation, impairment, or an unlawful alcohol level, as well as whether the evidence collected during the stop is reliable.

At Jonathan Blecher, P.A., Attorney Jonathan Blecher brings more than 40 years of criminal-law experience to every case. His background as a former Assistant State Attorney informs how we examine the state’s evidence and anticipate its strategy. When you choose our firm, you receive direct attorney access, virtual consultations, and a defense tailored to the facts of your case. We also offer free case evaluations.

If you’re accused of boating under the influence, call (786) 977-9355 or Contact us online to discuss your case.

What Constitutes BUI?

BUI involves operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (Fla. Stat. § 327.35). An impairment allegation relies on evidence that alcohol or another substance affected normal faculties, while a BAC allegation is based on the statutory alcohol threshold.

A BUI allegation often comes down to how the stop was conducted and how any sobriety testing was administered. We can review the stated reason for the stop, officer observations, physical coordination exercises, chemical testing, witness accounts, and evidence concerning who operated or controlled the vessel.

What Are the Penalties for a BUI Conviction?

Penalties for a BUI conviction depend on the circumstances of the case. For a first conviction, Florida law generally provides for fines of $500 to $1,000 and up to six months of incarceration. The statute also requires attendance at a substance abuse course and addresses vessel impoundment in specified circumstances. Penalties can increase if your BAC was 0.15% or higher, a minor was on board, or you have prior convictions.

A conviction also creates a criminal record that can affect how later BUI or DUI case allegations are evaluated. We assess whether the state can prove each element and whether the stop or testing can be challenged.

BUI Stops in Coral Gables & Local Waterways

For Coral Gables residents and visitors, the location of a boating stop can be an important part of a BUI defense review. Conditions on the water, the location of any testing, and the agency involved can all affect the evidence available in a case.

A vessel stop may begin with an alleged safety or navigation issue, an officer observation, or another stated basis for contact. Reviewing the report and available recordings can help clarify what occurred before testing or an arrest.

Based in Coral Gables, we serve clients throughout Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Area. We review where a stop occurred, which agency conducted it, the stated reason for the contact, and the court or proceeding handling the allegation.

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I was referred to Mr. Blecher by a long-time friend of mine. He was very professional and took the time to explain everything I had in question and was always quick to get back to me. Would highly recommend him to anyone!

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Mr. Belcher is a well-spoken, professional, and knowledgeable attorney. He is very kind and willing to help the people that get in contact with him. Thank you for all your advice and help!

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Mr. Blecher was very approachable and patiently answered my questions. I ended the conversation feeling informed. I truly appreciate his professional and courteous advice.

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Mr. Blecher is a wonderful attorney. He is particularly knowledgeable in the DUI laws and has a proven track record of getting great results. I highly recommend his services.

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“Mr. Blecher is truly the best DUI lawyer in the state!”
Mr. Blecher is truly the best DUI lawyer in the state! Would recommend to the utmost regard to anybody going through tough times. He not only won my case but consoled my family and relieved us of our stress. Can’t thank enough!

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Who Enforces BUI Laws on Florida Waters?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) enforces Florida boating laws. Sheriffs’ deputies, municipal police officers, and other authorized law-enforcement officers may also enforce boating-safety laws, and the U.S. Coast Guard may be involved in certain circumstances.

The state’s 2025 Boater Freedom Act limits vessel stops conducted solely for safety inspections and establishes statutory conditions for enforcement stops. Whether a stop complied with the law depends on the officer’s stated basis for the contact and the circumstances involved.

The agency involved and the stated basis for the stop can matter in a BUI case. We can review whether the officer had a lawful basis for the contact and how the events that followed were documented.

How We Challenge the Reliability of Marine Field Sobriety Tests

BUI field sobriety exercises are physical coordination tests officers may use as indicators of impairment. When law enforcement officers administer these tests on moving boats or unstable docks, environmental conditions can affect how a person performs. As a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), Attorney Blecher evaluates technical and physical issues that may affect marine sobriety testing.

We may challenge unreliable BUI test results based on:

Unstable Environments. Performing a finger-to-nose or palm-trace test on a deck rocked by wakes, wind, and currents can make balance and coordination more difficult.
Environmental Fatigue. Sun exposure, dehydration, engine vibration, and glare can contribute to fatigue or physical symptoms that may be mistaken for impairment.
Testing Administration. We review whether the officer secured an appropriate testing location, provided understandable instructions, accounted for vessel movement, and accurately recorded the conditions.

How We Review a BUI Allegation

A BUI defense review begins with the sequence of events leading to the stop. As a former Assistant State Attorney with more than 40 years of criminal-law experience, Attorney Jonathan Blecher examines reports, recordings, witness accounts, and the evidence concerning vessel operation and control.

We also evaluate breath and blood testing procedures, field sobriety exercises, vessel movement, weather, lighting, and the location where testing occurred. After reviewing the available evidence, we can determine which issues may warrant further investigation, motions, or negotiations.

Prepare for a Case-Specific BUI Review

Bring the details of the stop, testing, vessel conditions, witnesses, and any paperwork you received to your consultation. We can review the available information and discuss a defense approach tailored to the allegation.

Our firm brings more than 40 years of criminal-law experience, more than 5,000 cases handled, and more than 3,000 DUI cases handled to this work.

Call (786) 977-9355 to schedule your free consultation with our BUI defense team.

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