Rhode Island BUI Lawyer

BUI defenses include: bad marine patrol stop (no reasonable suspicion), no operation (anchored or moored boat), operator identity disputes, environmental conditions affecting field tests (sun, wind, dehydration, sea legs), PBT calibration issues, and breath test problems back at the station. Marine patrol procedures are often less rigid than road patrol, opening additional defense angles.

Jet skis, personal watercraft, and similar motorized vessels are covered by the BUI statute. The 0.08 BAC threshold applies. Marine patrol actively enforces BUI on jet skis around Newport, Bristol, Salt Pond, and the South County beaches during summer. Same penalties as motorboat BUI.

Passengers cannot be charged with BUI. The charge requires operation - meaning control of the vessel. If the operator was someone else and that can be established through witness statements, video, or other evidence, the case may have an operator identity defense angle that gets charges dismissed.

Rhode Island uses implied consent for boat operators. The portable breath test (PBT) on the water is often the first measurement. Refusing the post-arrest evidentiary breath test triggers separate Traffic Tribunal penalties under section 31-27-2.1 including license suspension and a civil fine. PBT refusal has fewer consequences than evidentiary test refusal.

Yes. A Rhode Island BUI conviction can suspend your driver's license for up to 6 months on a first offense. The connection comes through the implied consent framework and section 46-22 provisions. Many BUI defendants are surprised to learn the boating charge affects their driving license.

A Rhode Island BUI is boating under the influence - a criminal charge under RIGL section 46-22-19. The 0.08 BAC threshold matches the car DUI law. Operating a motorboat, sailboat, jetski, or personal watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal on Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and all Rhode Island waters.