West Palm Beach BUI Attorney | Florida Boating Under the Influence Defense Lawyer

West Palm Beach BUI Attorney | Florida Boating Under the Influence Defense Lawyer

By Christian Van Riper, Criminal Defense Attorney, Former DUI & BUI Prosecutor

Being arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in Palm Beach County, Florida can be stressful and overwhelming. Many people charged with BUI have never been arrested before and are shocked to find themselves facing criminal charges after what began as an enjoyable day on the water. If you have been arrested for BUI in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Park, Haverhill, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, or anywhere in Palm Beach County, it is important to understand that a BUI arrest does not automatically mean you will be convicted. Call our West Palm Beach BUI Attorney, Christian Van Riper, 24/7.

At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., we aggressively defend individuals charged with Boating Under the Influence throughout South Florida. Attorney Christian Van Riper brings a unique perspective to these cases. Before entering private practice, he served as a Florida prosecutor handling DUI and BUI cases, giving him extensive courtroom and investigative experience.

Christian is also an avid South Florida boater. He understands Florida’s waterways, boating culture, and the realities of operating vessels on the Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Worth Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean. This firsthand boating experience provides valuable insight when evaluating how marine law enforcement officers conduct BUI investigations.

As a veteran-owned law firm, Van Riper & Nies Attorneys proudly offers discounted legal fees for United States military veterans. We also provide free consultations so you can understand your options before making important decisions about your case.

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What Is Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in Florida?

Under Florida law, Boating Under the Influence, commonly referred to as BUI, is very similar to driving under the influence. Florida law makes it illegal to operate a vessel while your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or certain prescription medications, or while having a blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.

Unlike a DUI involving an automobile, however, operating a boat presents unique challenges. Wind, waves, sun exposure, dehydration, fatigue, and the constant motion of a vessel can affect a person’s balance, coordination, speech, and appearance. These same factors may also influence the observations made by law enforcement officers during a BUI investigation. For more information, contact our West Palm Beach BUI attorney, Christian Van Riper, for free day or night.

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Where Do BUI Arrests Occur in Palm Beach County?

Palm Beach County offers some of the finest boating in Florida. Unfortunately, it is also an area where marine law enforcement agencies actively patrol for impaired boat operators.

BUI arrests commonly occur on:

• The Intracoastal Waterway
• Lake Worth Lagoon
• Palm Beach Inlet
• Jupiter Inlet
• Boynton Inlet
• Peanut Island
• Lake Osborne
• The Loxahatchee River
• The Atlantic Ocean offshore fishing grounds
• Municipal marinas and boat ramps throughout Palm Beach County

Many arrests occur during busy boating holidays such as Memorial Day Weekend, the Fourth of July, Labor Day Weekend, and holiday fishing tournaments when law enforcement agencies increase marine patrols.

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Who Can Arrest Someone for BUI in Palm Beach County?

Several law enforcement agencies patrol the waterways throughout Palm Beach County and have authority to investigate suspected Boating Under the Influence offenses.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the primary agency responsible for enforcing Florida’s boating laws. FWC officers regularly conduct vessel safety inspections, investigate boating accidents, enforce navigation rules, and make BUI arrests throughout Palm Beach County.

FWC officers frequently patrol:

• Lake Worth Lagoon
• The Intracoastal Waterway
• Peanut Island
• Jupiter Inlet
• Palm Beach Inlet
• Boynton Inlet
• Popular sandbars
• Boat ramps and marinas

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO)

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Marine Unit also patrols county waterways and assists with boating accidents, impaired operators, reckless boating, and criminal investigations occurring on the water.

Municipal Police Marine Units

Depending on where an incident occurs, marine officers from municipalities such as West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and other local jurisdictions may also investigate suspected BUI offenses.

United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard has authority to conduct safety inspections and enforce federal boating laws on navigable waters. In some situations, Coast Guard personnel may work jointly with FWC or local law enforcement during boating safety operations.

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Can Florida Law Enforcement Stop My Boat Without a Warrant?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Florida law recently changed in favor of boaters. Under the Boater Freedom Act, law enforcement officers generally may no longer stop or board a recreational vessel solely to conduct a random safety inspection. Instead, an officer must generally have probable cause to believe a violation of Florida’s boating laws has occurred before stopping the vessel. Once a lawful stop has been made, however, officers may inspect required safety equipment and investigate other potential violations. The United States Coast Guard continues to possess separate authority under federal law to conduct certain vessel boardings and inspections. If your BUI arrest began with a vessel stop, one of the first issues an experienced defense attorney should examine is whether the stop complied with current Florida law.

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What Happens During a Florida BUI Investigation?

Every investigation is different, but many BUI arrests follow a similar pattern.

1. A marine officer observes a boating violation, responds to an accident, or conducts a vessel safety inspection.
2. The officer begins speaking with the vessel operator.
3. The officer looks for signs of impairment such as odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, confusion, or poor coordination.
4. The operator may be asked whether alcohol was consumed.
5. The officer may request marine field sobriety exercises.
6. The operator may be transported for breath testing or further investigation.
7. If probable cause exists, a criminal arrest may follow.

While this process may appear straightforward, every stage of the investigation presents opportunities for mistakes, constitutional violations, or scientific issues that an experienced defense attorney can carefully evaluate.

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Marine Field Sobriety Exercises Are Very Different Than Roadside DUI Tests

One of the most misunderstood aspects of a Florida BUI investigation is the use of field sobriety exercises. Many people assume these tests are identical to those performed during a roadside DUI stop. In reality, a boating environment presents unique challenges that can significantly affect a person’s performance.

Unlike a driver who has been sitting in a vehicle on solid ground, a boat operator may have spent hours dealing with:

• Constant wave motion
• Strong winds
• Intense Florida heat and humidity
• Sun exposure
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Sea sickness or motion sickness
• Standing on an unstable deck

Even experienced boaters can feel unsteady after stepping off a vessel. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “sea legs“, can affect balance for a period of time even when a person has consumed no alcohol whatsoever.

As an avid boater, Attorney Christian Van Riper understands these conditions firsthand. That practical experience can be valuable when evaluating whether a marine officer’s conclusions accurately reflect impairment or simply the normal effects of spending hours on the water.

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What Field Sobriety Exercises May Be Requested?

During a BUI investigation, an officer may ask a vessel operator to perform a variety of coordination or divided-attention exercises. Depending on the circumstances, these may occur on a dock, at a marina, or after returning to shore.

Common exercises may include:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
• Finger-to-nose test
• Palm pat test
• Counting exercises
• Alphabet recitation
• Balance exercises
• Walk-and-turn
• One-leg stand

Unlike chemical testing, field sobriety exercises are subjective. An officer must interpret your performance, and reasonable people can disagree about whether someone actually appeared impaired.

Numerous factors unrelated to alcohol may influence performance, including age, prior orthopedic injuries, back problems, knee replacements, shoulder injuries, neurological conditions, medications, anxiety, fatigue, uneven surfaces, or environmental conditions.

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Can You Refuse Field Sobriety Exercises?

Many people ask whether they are legally required to perform field sobriety exercises.

The answer depends upon the specific circumstances of your case. Because every investigation is different, you should never rely upon generalized advice from the internet after an arrest.

Whether field sobriety exercises were requested, how they were explained, how they were administered, and how any refusal may be interpreted can all become important issues in defending a BUI charge.

An experienced BUI defense attorney should carefully review body camera footage, marine patrol video, witness statements, and all investigative reports before evaluating these issues.

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Breath Testing After a BUI Arrest

In many BUI investigations, officers request that a boat operator submit to a breath test after an arrest.

Florida generally considers a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher to be above the legal limit for most adult operators.

However, a breath test result is not automatically accurate simply because a machine produces a number.

An experienced defense attorney should examine numerous issues, including:

• Whether the breath testing instrument was properly maintained
• Whether required inspections and calibrations were performed
• Whether observation periods were properly completed
• Whether radio frequency interference existed
• Whether mouth alcohol affected the results
• Whether medical conditions could have influenced the reading
• Whether testing procedures complied with Florida administrative rules

Every scientific measurement has limitations. A careful review of maintenance records, operator certifications, and testing procedures may identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence.

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Florida’s Implied Consent Law

Florida’s implied consent laws also apply in many BUI investigations.

If a law enforcement officer has lawful grounds to request a breath or other approved chemical test following a BUI arrest, refusing the test can have legal consequences.

Whether implied consent applies, whether the request was lawful, and whether proper procedures were followed often become important issues that your attorney should carefully evaluate.

These cases frequently involve highly technical legal questions, making experienced legal representation especially important.

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Florida BUI Penalties

A conviction in Florida for Boating Under the Influence may result in serious criminal penalties, including:

• Jail time
• Probation
• Substantial fines
• Community service
• Alcohol or substance abuse evaluation and treatment
• Court costs
• A permanent criminal record

Enhanced penalties may apply if certain aggravating circumstances exist. Contact a West Palm Beach BUI Attorney for more information regarding aggravating factors.

First-Time BUI

A first conviction may result in fines, probation, community service, and possible incarceration, depending upon the facts of the case.

Second and Subsequent BUI Offenses

Repeat offenses often carry significantly greater penalties, including increased fines, longer jail sentences, and mandatory minimum periods of incarceration under certain circumstances.

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BUI Involving Property Damage or Personal Injury

A boating accident changes the nature of a BUI investigation dramatically.

If prosecutors allege that impairment contributed to an accident involving property damage or injury, the potential consequences become significantly more serious.

These cases often require detailed investigation involving:

• Marine accident reconstruction
• GPS data
• Navigation charts
• Witness interviews
• Video evidence
• Weather conditions
• Current and tide information
• Vessel damage analysis

Not every boating accident is caused by impairment. Mechanical failures, weather, equipment malfunctions, operator error by another vessel, excessive wake, limited visibility, or navigational hazards may all contribute to an accident.

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Felony BUI Charges

Certain BUI cases may be charged as felonies under Florida law.

Examples include allegations involving:

• Serious bodily injury
• Death
• Multiple prior convictions
• Other aggravating circumstances recognized by Florida law

Felony convictions can carry substantial prison exposure, significant financial penalties, lengthy probation, and lifelong collateral consequences affecting employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, and other important aspects of your future.

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BUI Manslaughter

When a boating accident results in a fatality and prosecutors allege impairment by the vessel operator, the case may involve allegations of BUI manslaughter.

These are among the most serious criminal cases prosecuted in Florida.

Immediate investigation is critical. Witness memories fade quickly, physical evidence may disappear, vessels may be repaired or destroyed, electronic navigation data may be overwritten, and surveillance video may be lost.

If you or a loved one is under investigation following a fatal boating accident, obtaining experienced legal counsel immediately may be one of the most important decisions you make.

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What Should I Do If I Am Arrested for BUI?

If you are arrested for Boating Under the Influence in Palm Beach County, remain calm and avoid arguing with law enforcement officers.

After your release, consider taking the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Write down everything you remember while events are still fresh.
2. Identify everyone who was on your boat.
3. Preserve photographs, videos, GPS tracks, and electronic navigation data.
4. Keep receipts from marinas or restaurants if relevant.
5. Do not discuss your case on social media.
6. Do not contact witnesses about changing their statements.
7. Consult an experienced Palm Beach County BUI defense attorney promptly.

Early intervention often allows your attorney to preserve important evidence before it disappears.

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Why Hiring a Former DUI and BUI Prosecutor Matters

Not every Florida criminal defense lawyer has litigated BUI cases, whether on the prosecutor or defense side.

Before joining Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., Christian Van Riper served as a Florida DUI and BUI prosecutor handling impaired driving cases. That experience provides valuable insight into how prosecutors evaluate evidence, prepare witnesses, negotiate plea offers, and present cases to juries.

As a former prosecutor, Christian understands both sides of the courtroom. He knows the strengths prosecutors look for—and the weaknesses that may create opportunities to challenge the State’s case.

Combined with his experience as a former investigator for the Florida Department of Children and Families and his personal experience as an avid boater, Christian brings a unique perspective to defending clients charged with Boating Under the Influence throughout Palm Beach County.

 

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Possible Defenses to Florida Boating Under the Influence Charges

Every BUI case is different. A successful defense requires a careful review of the facts, the applicable law, the officer’s reports, body camera footage, marine patrol video, witness statements, chemical testing records, and any other available evidence.

At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., West Palm Beach BUI Attorney Christian Van Riper carefully examines every aspect of the investigation to determine whether the State can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Below are some of the defenses that may be available in a Florida BUI case. The availability of any particular defense depends on the specific facts and evidence involved.

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1. The Initial Stop Was Not Lawful

One of the first issues we examine is why law enforcement stopped the vessel in the first place.

Although the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), municipal marine patrol units, and the United States Coast Guard have broad authority to conduct safety inspections and enforce boating laws, that authority is not unlimited.

Our office carefully reviews whether:

• The stop complied with Florida law.
• The officer exceeded the lawful purpose of the stop.
• The detention became unnecessarily prolonged.
• The investigation violated constitutional protections.

If a stop or detention was unlawful, important evidence may be subject to challenge.

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2. The Officer Misinterpreted Signs of Impairment

Many signs officers associate with alcohol impairment may actually be caused by spending several hours on Florida waterways.

For example, boaters often experience:

• Red or watery eyes from sun and wind.
• Unsteady balance after standing on a moving vessel.
• Fatigue from heat and dehydration.
• Slow movements after hours on the water.
• Difficulty maintaining balance after stepping onto a floating dock.

These normal boating conditions should not automatically be mistaken for intoxication.

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3. Marine Field Sobriety Exercises Were Unreliable

Field sobriety exercises are designed to evaluate coordination and divided attention. However, they are not perfect, particularly in a marine environment.

An experienced West Palm Beach BUI defense lawyer should evaluate whether:

• The exercises were properly explained.
• The testing location was appropriate.
• Environmental conditions affected performance.
• The officer properly scored each exercise.
• The officer considered age, injuries, or medical conditions.

Many people accused of BUI have orthopedic injuries, prior surgeries, balance disorders, or other medical issues unrelated to alcohol consumption.

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4. Medical Conditions Mimicked Impairment

Certain medical conditions may resemble intoxication.

Examples include:

• Vertigo.
• Inner ear disorders.
• Neurological conditions.
• Diabetes.
• Low blood sugar.
• Heat exhaustion.
• Dehydration.
• Prescription medication side effects.

A thorough review of your medical history may reveal alternative explanations for the officer’s observations.

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5. Breath Test Results May Be Challenged

Although prosecutors often rely heavily on breath test results, these tests are not infallible.

Potential issues include:

• Machine maintenance problems.
• Calibration errors.
• Improper observation periods.
• Operator error.
• Residual mouth alcohol.
• Medical conditions such as GERD.
• Failure to follow required testing procedures.

When appropriate, we carefully review maintenance logs, inspection records, and testing documentation.

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6. Rising Blood Alcohol Concentration

Alcohol is absorbed over time rather than instantaneously.

In some cases, a person’s blood alcohol concentration may have been below the legal limit while operating the vessel but increased before testing occurred.

This scientific issue, commonly referred to as a rising blood alcohol defense, may be relevant depending on the timeline of events.

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7. Witness Testimony Contradicts the Officer’s Conclusions

Passengers, marina personnel, nearby boaters, and other witnesses may provide important testimony regarding:

• The operator’s behavior.
• Amount of alcohol consumed.
• How the vessel was being operated.
• Weather conditions.
• The officer’s investigation.

Independent witnesses sometimes provide a much different account than what appears in a police report.

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8. Improper Administration of Chemical Testing

Chemical testing procedures must comply with Florida law and applicable administrative regulations.

Failure to follow required procedures may affect the reliability or admissibility of the results.

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9. Constitutional Violations

Every person accused of a crime is protected by both the United States Constitution and the Florida Constitution.

Potential constitutional issues may include:

• Improper detention.
• Unlawful questioning.
• Violation of the right to remain silent.
• Improper searches.
• Failure to preserve evidence.
• Due process violations.

Identifying constitutional issues often requires a detailed legal analysis by an experienced Palm Beach BUI defense attorney.

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10. The State Cannot Prove Impairment Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Ultimately, the prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Simply consuming alcohol while boating does not automatically establish that a person was operating a vessel while impaired.

Our job is to carefully examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the State’s case, and vigorously advocate for our clients throughout the criminal justice process.

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Why Experience Matters in a BUI Case

Boating Under the Influence cases involve a unique combination of criminal law, constitutional law, boating regulations, scientific evidence, and practical boating knowledge.

West Palm Beach BUI Defense Attorney Christian Van Riper offers a combination of experience that is uncommon among criminal defense attorneys.

• Former Florida DUI and BUI prosecutor.
• Former investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families.
• Experienced trial attorney.
• Avid South Florida boater familiar with local waterways.
• Represents clients throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.

Having prosecuted impaired driving cases provides valuable insight into how the State prepares these prosecutions and the types of evidence prosecutors rely upon when attempting to obtain a conviction.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Florida BUI Charges

Is a BUI the same as a DUI?

No. Although they are similar offenses, a BUI involves operating a vessel while impaired, whereas a DUI involves operating a motor vehicle. The applicable laws are similar, but boating investigations often involve different legal and factual issues.

Can I be arrested if my boat is anchored?

Whether a person is considered to be “operating” a vessel depends on the specific facts and circumstances. This can become an important issue in certain cases.

Can passengers drink alcohol on a boat?

In many situations, passengers may legally consume alcohol while boating. The legal issues generally focus on the operator’s impairment rather than the passengers’ consumption.

Can prescription medication result in a BUI arrest?

Yes. Florida law is not limited to alcohol. Certain prescription medications, illegal drugs, or combinations of substances may also lead to allegations of impairment.

Should I simply plead guilty?

Every case should be carefully evaluated before making important legal decisions. A guilty plea may have lasting consequences, including a criminal record and other collateral effects. Speaking with an experienced attorney before entering a plea is often in your best interest.

How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

As soon as possible. Early representation allows your attorney to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, review videos, obtain reports, and begin preparing your defense before important evidence disappears.

 

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How Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers Are Trained to Detect Impairment

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing Florida’s boating laws. FWC officers receive specialized training in boating safety, vessel operations, accident investigations, and the detection of impaired vessel operators.

During a BUI investigation, an FWC officer may consider numerous observations, including:

• The manner in which the vessel was being operated.
• Whether the operator violated navigation rules.
• Speed and wake violations.
• Difficulty docking or launching the vessel.
• Odor of alcoholic beverages.
• Bloodshot or watery eyes.
• Speech patterns.
• Coordination and balance.
• Statements made by the operator or passengers.
• Performance during field sobriety exercises.

While these observations are important to an investigation, they do not automatically establish impairment. Many of the same observations may also result from spending hours in the Florida sun, exposure to wind, dehydration, fatigue, rough water, or other completely innocent factors.

As a former DUI and BUI prosecutor, Attorney Christian Van Riper understands the investigative techniques officers are trained to use and how those observations are presented in court. Equally important, he understands how those observations should be carefully analyzed and challenged when appropriate.

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BUI and Prescription Medications

Many people mistakenly believe that Boating Under the Influence only involves alcohol. In reality, Florida law also prohibits operating a vessel while impaired by certain prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, controlled substances, or combinations of alcohol and medications.

Common medications that may affect a person’s ability to safely operate a vessel include:

• Certain pain medications.
• Muscle relaxers.
• Anti-anxiety medications.
• Sleep medications.
• Certain antidepressants.
• Some antihistamines and allergy medications.

Taking medication exactly as prescribed does not automatically mean a person is guilty of BUI. The issue in most cases is whether the medication actually impaired the operator’s normal faculties while operating the vessel.

These cases often require careful examination of medical records, prescription information, expert testimony, and the specific observations made by law enforcement officers.

If your BUI arrest involved prescription medication rather than alcohol, it is especially important to consult an attorney familiar with both the legal and scientific issues involved.

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Ten Mistakes People Make After a Florida BUI Arrest

The hours and days following a BUI arrest are critical. Unfortunately, many people unintentionally make decisions that can make defending their case more difficult.

1. Waiting Too Long to Hire a BUI Defense Attorney

Important evidence, including surveillance video, marina security footage, GPS data, and witness memories, may disappear quickly. Early representation allows your attorney to begin preserving evidence immediately.

2. Posting About the Arrest on Social Media

Photos, videos, comments, and posts may later become evidence. Even seemingly innocent statements can be taken out of context by prosecutors.

3. Contacting Witnesses to Change Their Statements

Attempting to influence witness testimony can create additional legal issues. Your attorney should handle witness interviews appropriately.

4. Assuming a Breath Test Means the Case Is Over

Breath testing is only one piece of evidence. The legality of the stop, the officer’s investigation, testing procedures, and numerous scientific issues should all be carefully reviewed.

5. Failing to Preserve Evidence

Save photographs, GPS tracks, electronic navigation data, receipts, weather information, and anything else that may later assist in your defense.

6. Forgetting Important Details

Write down everything you remember as soon as possible, including where you were boating, who was present, weather conditions, conversations with officers, and the timeline of events.

7. Speaking Too Freely With Law Enforcement

Many people continue explaining or defending themselves after an arrest. Before answering additional questions, it is generally wise to speak with an attorney regarding your legal rights.

8. Believing Every BUI Case Is the Same

Every investigation is unique. A defense that applies in one case may not apply in another. Careful review of the specific facts is essential.

9. Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Who Rarely Handles BUI Cases

BUI cases involve unique constitutional, scientific, and boating-related issues that differ from many other criminal defense cases. Experience matters.

10. Losing Hope Too Early

A BUI arrest is not the same as a conviction. Many cases involve legal, factual, or scientific issues that may significantly affect the outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence and explain the options available in your particular case.

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Why Choose Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A.?

When you hire Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., you are represented by a law firm that understands both sides of a criminal case.

Attorney Christian Van Riper is a former Florida prosecutor who handled DUI and BUI prosecutions before dedicating his practice to defending individuals accused of crimes. His background as a former prosecutor provides valuable insight into how the State investigates, prepares, and prosecutes boating under the influence cases.

Christian also served as an Investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families, giving him extensive investigative experience and a detailed understanding of gathering, analyzing, and challenging evidence.

Beyond his legal experience, Christian is an avid Florida boater who spends time on the same waterways where many BUI arrests occur. He understands firsthand the effects that heat, wind, waves, current, fatigue, and long hours on the water can have on even experienced boaters.

We are a Florida maritime litigation law firm. Christian handles all maritime criminal defense cases, from BUI, BUI with property damage, BUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a boating accident, disorderly conduct on a vessel, fishing violations, illegal spearfishing, illegal lobster harvest, and more. Our maritime attorney, Tim Nies, litigates Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims, cruise ship injury claims, boating and personal watercraft accident claims, and all areas of law relating to maritime injuries.

As a veteran-owned law firm, Van Riper & Nies Attorneys proudly supports members of our Armed Forces by offering discounted legal fees for United States military veterans. We also offer FREE confidential consultations so prospective clients can understand their legal options before making important decisions.

 

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Why Local Experience Matters in Palm Beach County BUI Cases

Every Florida BUI case is unique, but there is tremendous value in hiring a defense attorney who understands the local waterways, the agencies patrolling them, and the courts where your case will be prosecuted.

Attorney Christian Van Riper is not only a former Florida DUI and BUI prosecutor, but he is also an avid South Florida boater. He regularly enjoys boating throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast and understands firsthand the challenges of safely operating a vessel in South Florida’s busy waterways.

Many Boating Under the Influence arrests occur in areas that attract thousands of recreational boaters every weekend, including:

• The Intracoastal Waterway
• Lake Worth Lagoon
• Peanut Island
• Palm Beach Inlet
• Jupiter Inlet
• Boynton Inlet
• The Lake Worth and Riviera Beach waterfronts
• Popular sandbars throughout Palm Beach County
• Municipal boat ramps and marinas
• Offshore fishing grounds along the Atlantic Coast

These waterways are routinely patrolled by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, local municipal marine patrol officers, and, in some situations, the United States Coast Guard.

Understanding where BUI investigations commonly occur, how marine officers conduct vessel stops, and the practical realities of boating in South Florida can be an important advantage when evaluating the facts of a case.

Christian’s combination of prosecutorial experience, investigative background, and firsthand boating knowledge allows him to identify issues that may be overlooked by attorneys who do not regularly handle Florida BUI cases.

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Contact Our West Palm Beach BUI Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Park, Haverhill, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, or anywhere in Palm Beach County, do not wait to seek experienced legal representation. Christian also represents boaters charged with BUI in Martin County from our law office in Stuart.

Attorney Christian Van Riper is a former Florida DUI and BUI prosecutor and an experienced criminal defense trial attorney dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal charges.

Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A. is proud to be a veteran-owned law firm. We proudly offer FREE consultations and discounted legal fees for United States military veterans.

Call today to schedule your FREE confidential consultation.

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Our West Palm Beach Office

Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A.
801 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 375
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone: (561) 948-5588

Click Here for Directions to Our West Palm Beach Office

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Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you are looking for an experienced West Palm Beach BUI Attorney, West Palm Beach Boat DUI Lawyer, Palm Beach County BUI Defense Attorney, or a criminal defense lawyer who understands Florida boating law, contact Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A. today.

We proudly represent clients throughout West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Royal Palm Beach, Haverhill, Lake Park, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Force Pierce, and throughout South Florida.

📞 Call (561) 948-5588 today for your FREE Consultation.