Boating and water sports are a favorite pastime of many residents and visitors throughout Florida. Unfortunately, law enforcement's desire to crack down on boating under the influence (BUI) offenses may turn what was& a good time into an arrest and serious criminal charges.

In Florida, BUI charges are handled in much the same way as alcohol related driving cases, including the same or similar enforcement of criminal penalties upon a conviction.

Boating under the influence may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony offense in Florida.  An arrest for BUI in a National Park can even land your case in federal court.

A conviction may result in jail, as well as heavy fines and court fees, probation, and mandatory alcohol treatment or rehabilitation.

Bradley M. Collins, P.A. has aggressively defended BUI cases for more than 30 years.