

Snohomish County BUI Defense Lawyer
Experienced Defense Against BUI Charges in Washington State
Until recently, boating under the influence—or BUI—was a simple misdemeanor with minor penalties. However, Washington lawmakers changed that in 2013 and made a BUI charge a gross misdemeanor. Now, not only do implied consent-like laws apply to BUI suspects, but a conviction can lead to significant fines and even jail time.
If you have been charged with boating under the influence, contact DUIHeroes as soon as possible. We have dedicated our entire practice to DUI-related cases and have accumulated the experience and resources to help ensure our clients stand every possible chance at having their charges reduced or dismissed. As one of the leading DUI defense law firms in the nation, we strive to offer the best path forward to beating these charges and protecting your future.
Entrust your future to capable, proven representation. Contact our firm today at (425) 296-9358 to speak with a Snohomish County BUI attorney.
BUI Penalties & Legal Distinctions in Washington
RCW 79A.60.040 describes the offense of "operation of a vessel in a reckless manner," including while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Boat operators are held under the same restrictions as motorists and can be charged with BUI if their alcohol concentration is detected to be 0.08% or higher. If convicted, the accused faces up to $5000 in fines and one year in jail.
Here are some key things to keep in mind about BUIs in Washington State:
- Unlike DUI, there is no license suspension associated with BUI charges.
- BUI convictions do count as "prior" DUI charges if the accused is later charged with drunk driving.
- If a boat operator refuses a breath test, they are subject to a $1000 civil penalty (instead of implied consent license suspension).
- Boat operator blood tests that indicate a THC concentration (marijuana) of 5.00ng or higher can also result in a BUI charge.
Have more questions? Contact our Snohomish County BUI attorney team today. We are well-versed in the latest BUI laws and know how to effectively help those facing boating under the influence charges. Our firm serves Snohomish County and all of Western Washington.
Start mounting your defense today. Contact our team at (425) 296-9358 for a free case evaluation with our Snohomish County BUI lawyers.


Average of 95% of First Offenses Reduced or Dismissed*
Proven, Respected & Recognized
At DUIHeroes, we exclusively defend DUI cases—nothing else. Our attorneys, including two former prosecutors, bring specialized insights and unmatched experience to the courtroom, ensuring you get the best possible defense.
-
AmendedWRONG WAY DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE
Client had driven several times over the lane divider into oncoming traffic, smelled of alcohol, showed poor coordination, admitted to drinking, and gave a breath test over .18. – Kittitas County, WA
-
AmendedDRUG DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE
Drug DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Oak Harbor, WA
-
AmendedDUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE
DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. - Mountlake Terrace, WA
-
AmendedDUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE IN EVERETT
DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Everett, WA
-
DismissedDUI DISMISSED DUE TO ILLEGAL ARRESTClient was stopped for driving without headlights and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. The officer in question, however, was shown to have performed the tests illegally and improperly, both coercing and tainting the evidence. Client was arrested and booked into jail for DUI. At a motions hearing, a judge dismissed the case in full as the officer was found to have illegally obtained evidence and illegally arrested our client. - Mill Creek, WA
-
Reduced3RD OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO NON-DRIVING OFFENSEClient charged with a 3rd offense above .15 breath test DUI. Presented evidence to the prosecutor about the validity of the traffic stop. DUI was reduced to Reckless Endangerment which is a non-driving related offense with no mandatory jail or licensing consequences. Client was thrilled! - Lynnwood, WA
-
Reduced2ND OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR WITH NO JAIL OR FINEClient charged with a 2nd offense DUI in her lifetime. Prosecutor was presented with evidence that the blood vials used to draw her blood were expired and evidence that the Office who arrested her did so with a variety of tainted evidence. DUI was reduced to Negligent Driving in the 1st Degree and the court waived the fine and imposed no jail time! - Lynnwood, WA
-
Amended3RD OFFENSE DUI
3rd offense DUI Amended to Reckless Driving through negotiation. - Lynnwood, WA
-
Not GuiltyDUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL
Client slammed into a concrete barrier, admitted to seven bottles, and refused a test of his blood. - Lynnwood, WA
-
Not GuiltyDUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL
Client refused a test of his breath. - Lynnwood, WA

We offer discounted services and flexible payment options for frontline healthcare workers, military personnel (active, retired, and reserve), teachers, and first responders as a token of our appreciation. When your future is on the line, you deserve a defense team that’s in your corner—just like you’ve been in ours.

When the Odds Are Stacked Against You
Our DUI Attorneys Are in Your Corner


-
We know the system inside and out. With 50+ years of collective legal experience, our attorneys have the specialized knowledge and skill to fight for you.
-
Results are everything. With thousands of successful cases and an average of 95% of first offenses reduced or dismissed*, our record speaks for itself.
-
DUI defense isn’t just what we do...it’s all we do. We stay ahead of legal changes, leverage expert resources, and build cutting-edge defense strategies.
-
A DUI arrest can happen anytime. That’s why we’re available 24/7. Call now for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Thousands Have Trusted Us
And we’ve delivered.
With 100% focus on DUI defense, we know what it takes to fight, win, and protect your future. See how DUIHeroes has changed lives, one victory at a time.
-
A Great Result with Kaia“She got me a great result and I can’t thank her enough for her work.”
-
Highly Recommend DUI Heroes“They are very professional and dedicated.”J- Jose Garrido
-
They will be there for you until the end“Jonathan and his team are caring and compassionate.”
-
Confident and Polished in Court“I never once felt like I didn’t put my life in the right person's hands. I can't stress enough how putting this life decision into him and his team's care benefited my life.”
-
Highly recommend Kaia and the team“Kaia has been extremely communicative, easygoing, and understanding.”
-
Competent, Caring, and Compassionate“A remarkable team of competent, caring, and compassionate attorneys.”O- Olaf


Arrested for DUI?
Act Fast—Don't Let a DUI Charge Destroy Your Future
As specialists in DUI defense, we have the proven strategies to protect your rights and your future.
