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Boating Under the Influence

Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

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Client Testimonials

Josh is extremely skilled at what he does, and is a very approachable guy to work with. He is very experience in his work, and has excellent communication, customer service, and eager to help you in any way possible. His team also has very high urgency and customer service skills. I couldn't have imagined a better experience. If I were to ever find myself in need of any legal assistance again, this is the first person I'd call. He was the third or fourth individual I contacted in my search for legal advice, and the urgency, professionalism, good attitude, and incredible customer service of Josh & his colleagues were my deciding factor to go with him. Because I had him him to guide me through these dealings, I had an ironically very nice experience.

Em Lewis

15:42 26 Oct 18

I would recommend Josh Macktaz to anyone that needs help with a dui case ! He put my mind at ease after our first meeting and went over everything he was going to do for me and he did not let me down !!! I can't thank him enough for the outcome of my case and god forbid i ever needed him again he will be my first call ! I highly recommend Mr. Macktaz.

Guy Clausen 3rd

10:24 12 Oct 18

Attorney Macktaz showed excellent communication with me during the entire process. He was very transparent with everything he was doing and needed to get done. I highly reccommend using his services, especially in newport county matters.

aaron amaral

20:03 12 Sep 18

Being from out of state, never getting into any trouble in my life, and being completely terrified, not knowing anything about the judicial system or what was going to happen to me. I was lucky enough to have Josh recommended to me from a friend and I will forever be in debt to the both of them. From day one Josh thoroughly explained everything, reassured me, answered every email with every little question I had so promptly. I knew I was in the best, most capable hands I could be in. He makes you feel like you are his only client when I know just how busy he truly is. He went above and beyond for me, even saving me a trip to court because I am from out of state when he could. He knows the system, and the people within the system like the back of his hand. He is so thorough if there is a mistake that was made he will find it. That’s what he did for me. When I was sure my life was about to be turned upside down, he made something so nerve wracking as painless as possible. I could not have made a better decision by choosing him as my lawyer. I could never write enough good things about him, and I could never thank him enough for being so incredibly good at his job.

Lindsey Spencer

20:34 17 Nov 17

I highly recommend Joshua. He is very professional and explained everything in detail and my options in our first meeting. He did not raise unrealistic expectations and the end result was the "best case scenario" that he laid out for me in the initial consultation. I will be calling him again if I ever need help.

Tim Dawson

15:30 19 Sep 17

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Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

Newport, Rhode Island BUI (Boating Under the Influence) Defense Attorney

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In a city like Newport, Rhode Island, with renown coastal views, boating is a way of life. Living near the water certainly, increases the number of BUI cases in an area. Here in the beautiful city of Newport, Rhode Island, a BUI is a very common offense. A number of charges surge each year approaching the summer months.

There are times when you may be falsely accused or charged with BUI offenses. While BUI offenses are very similar to DUI offenses; there are stark differences in the penalties and legal circumstances regarding BUI. Don’t assume that your criminal defense lawyer is familiar with defending BUI’s because of their history in DUI defense. Securing the representation of a defense lawyer who specializes in BUI defense as well as DUI defense will provide you with an attorney committed to finding the best resolution for your case.

If you’ve found yourself facing a BUI charge, Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz can help. He has over 18 years of criminal defense experience both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. His practice concentrates in DUI and BUI charges. Don’t let one BUI charge haunt you for the remainder of your life, call Attorney Macktaz at 401-285-2996.

Knowing the laws: BUI and DUI

Knowing the laws regarding boating and the operational regulations of boating in each specific state is important to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you are suspected of operating a boat or other watercraft under the influence of any drug, controlled substance, alcohol or other combination of any kind, you will be treated in the same manner as anyone who operates any other kind of motor vehicle under the influence. You will be given sobriety tests at the scene, and if you are arrested and found guilty, you will be sentenced according to the misdemeanor or felony status of your crime.

For misdemeanors, a civil violation, where your blood-alcohol level is .08%, you will be subject to a fine of between $100 and $250, community restitution in an amount from ten to sixty hours, required attendance at a DEM endorsed boating safety course, and your right to operate any watercraft will be suspended for not more than 45 days.

As your blood-alcohol level rises, and you are arrested each subsequent time for boating under the influence, the sentences imposed by the court can reach a place where you are serving time in prison for your offenses.

If you are found to have committed a felony BUI crime, that is, a situation where you are a repeat offender, have injured another person, or caused death, and have a higher blood-alcohol level combined with the use of other illegal and controlled substances, you will face some of the harshest penalties with fines of up to $5000, sentences involving years in prison, and suspension of your right to operate a watercraft permanently, among other penalties.

Because of the nature of these crimes, it is imperative that you retain sound legal counsel. Criminal Defense Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. is an experienced DUI and BUI lawyer and can help you.

For information concerning arrests involving boating and driving under the influence all over New England please schedule a free consultation

RI Boating Under the Influence State Laws

The Rhode Island General Laws define boating under the influence as follows:

TITLE 46 Waters and Navigation – CHAPTER 46-22.2
Alcohol Boating Safety Act- SECTION 46-22.2-3

§ 46-22.2-3 Violations by intoxicated watercraft operators.

(a) Any person who operates or otherwise drives any watercraft in waters over which this state has jurisdiction while intoxicated or after he or she has been ordered not to operate a watercraft under the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a civil violation, a misdemeanor or a felony and punished as set forth in this section.

(b) Any person who operates any watercraft in waters over which this state has jurisdiction while intoxicated and while so operating causes the death or serious bodily injury to another person shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished in accordance with subdivision (f)(2) of this section.

(c) Any person charged under subsection (a) whose blood alcohol level is eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more by weight as shown by a chemical test of a blood, breath, or urine sample shall be guilty of violating subsection (a) of this section. This provision shall not preclude a conviction based on other admissible evidence. Proof of guilt under this section may also be based on evidence that the person charged was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance or any combination thereof, to a degree which rendered such person incapable of safely operating a watercraft. The fact that any person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol or a drug shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.

Offices located in both Newport RI and Providence RI. Newport Office conveniently servicing the towns of Newport, Jamestown, Middletown, Portsmouth, Narraganset, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Little Compton, Tiverton and Washington County. Providence office conveniently services the Rhode Island towns of Warwick, East Greenwich, Cranston, Providence, East Providence, Barrington, Warren, and Bristol, along with the rest of Kent, Bristol, and Providence Counties.