BUI Attorney in Salisbury

Legal Help After a Boating Under the Influence Arrest

A boating under the influence charge can turn a day on the water into a serious criminal problem. You may be worried about court, fines, and what this means for your future. If you were arrested on the Eastern Shore and need local guidance, MacDonald Law Office, LLC is here to help.

We defend people accused of boating under the influence in this area, and we work to protect both their records and their livelihoods. Our firm is based in Salisbury, directly across from the Wicomico County District Court, and our attorneys previously served as prosecutors before focusing on criminal defense. 

We understand how the state builds these cases, and we use that perspective when we defend you. From the first call, you speak directly with an attorney who can explain what your paperwork means, what to expect in court, and what your next steps should be.

Don't let a day on the water turn into a lifetime record—consult with an experienced BUI attorney in Salisbury today. MacDonald Law Office, LLC offers free consultations and bilingual services to help you navigate these complex charges. Call (410) 348-7809 or contact us online to start your defense.

Understanding BUI Laws in Maryland

In Maryland, boating offenses are governed primarily by the Natural Resources Article, specifically Section 8-738, rather than the Transportation Article that covers motor vehicles. However, the legal standards for impairment are remarkably similar. 

A Salisbury BUI defense lawyer must navigate two distinct levels of charges:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): This is the more serious charge. It applies if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher, known as "BUI Per Se," or if you are substantially incapacitated by alcohol or drugs.
• Boating While Impaired (BWI): This is a lesser but still significant offense. It typically applies when a person's BAC is between .07% and .08%, or when their ability to operate a vessel safely is impaired to any degree by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

A critical nuance in Maryland law is the "implied consent" rule. By operating a vessel on Maryland waters, you are deemed to have consented to a chemical test if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect you are impaired. Furthermore, as of recent legislative updates in 2025, BUI and DUI convictions are now linked for the purpose of "subsequent offender" penalties. This means a prior DUI on the road can elevate the penalties for a new BUI charge on the water, and vice versa.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of BUI Convictions in MD

The consequences of a BUI conviction in Maryland are severe and can vary based on your prior record and the specific nature of the offense.

Criminal Penalties

• First Offense BUI: Subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
• Second Offense BUI: Fines increase to up to $2,000 and/or up to two years of imprisonment.
• Third Offense BUI: Penalties can reach a $3,000 fine and/or three years in jail.
• Impaired (BWI) Offenses: Generally carry shorter jail terms (up to 2 months for a first offense) but still result in a criminal record and significant fines.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the court-imposed sentence, a Salisbury BUI defense lawyer will help you understand the long-term impacts:

• Loss of Boating Privileges: The court can prohibit you from operating any vessel on Maryland waters for up to one year (or up to five years if the incident resulted in a fatality).
• Criminal Record: A BUI is a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple ticket. It will appear on background checks, potentially affecting employment or professional licensing.
• Future DUI Enhancements: Because BUI and DUI are now linked in Maryland, a BUI conviction will make any future traffic stop for a DUI much more dangerous, as you will be treated as a repeat offender.

What Happens After A BUI Arrest In This Area

After a BUI arrest, you typically receive paperwork that includes the charges and information about an upcoming court date. For incidents that occur on or near local waterways, cases are often set in the Wicomico County District Court in Salisbury or in another Maryland district court on the Eastern Shore, depending on where the stop took place. The date on this paperwork is important because missing court can lead to additional problems.

The criminal process usually begins with an initial appearance or arraignment, where the court confirms your identity, explains the charges, and addresses issues such as counsel. Later court dates may involve motions, plea discussions, or a trial, depending on how the case develops. Along the way, there may be discovery materials, such as police reports or test results, that your attorney reviews with you.

There can also be related administrative questions, such as whether any aspect of your driving privileges is affected and how your boating activities may be limited. The details depend on the specific facts and on your prior record, if any. Our attorneys help clients understand the sequence of events in their case, what each date on the calendar means, and what preparation is needed for each stage.

Our Comprehensive Approach to BUI Defense

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we don't just accept the police report as fact. Our firm employs a meticulous strategy to protect your rights on the water.

When you hire a BUI attorney in Salisbury from our team, we immediately:

• Analyze Maritime Conditions: We look at weather reports, tide charts, and water conditions at the time of your stop to prove that environmental factors, not alcohol, caused any perceived instability.
• Scrutinize Testing Equipment: Breathalyzers must be calibrated and maintained perfectly. We check the logs for the specific device used in your case to find any history of malfunction.
• Provide Bilingual Advocacy: We believe everyone deserves a defense they can understand. Our ability to provide services in multiple languages ensures that no detail is lost in translation.

Why Boaters Choose Our Firm After A BUI Arrest

When you are deciding whom to call about a BUI case, you want more than general criminal defense. You want attorneys who understand how prosecutors think and how cases move through courts in this area. At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, both Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald are former prosecutors who now focus on defending people accused of crimes.

We use that experience on both sides of the courtroom when we evaluate BUI charges. As former prosecutors, we have handled a wide range of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies such as murder. That background helps us see how the state may try to prove its case and where the evidence may be vulnerable.

Clients also choose our firm because of how we communicate. You work directly with our attorneys, not with paralegals or intermediaries. We take time to explain each step in clear language so you understand what is happening and why.

Steps To Take Now After A Boating Under The Influence Charge

In the days after a BUI arrest, small decisions can make a big difference. Taking a few organized steps now can help protect your options later and give your attorney the information needed to evaluate the case.

Consider taking these practical actions:

• Keep all paperwork together. Store charging documents, citations, and any release conditions in a safe place. These documents contain important dates and information about your case.
• Write down what happened. As soon as you can, make notes about where you were, who was on the boat, what the officers said, and what tests you were asked to perform. Details can be harder to remember as time passes.
• Be careful about what you say. Avoid posting about the incident on social media or discussing specifics with friends, coworkers, or anyone else besides your attorney. Statements can sometimes be misunderstood or taken out of context.
• Follow any conditions of release. If the court or authorities gave you instructions, such as not leaving the state without permission, take them seriously. Violating conditions can make the situation more complicated.
• Talk with a local criminal defense attorney. An attorney who handles cases here can review your paperwork, explain what to expect in court, and help you decide how to move forward.

When you contact our firm, we review the information you have, go over the timeline ahead, and discuss how we may be able to help. Our goal is to give you a clearer picture of your situation so you can make informed decisions.

Talk With Our BUI Lawyer Salisbury

A boating under the influence charge can affect your record, your privileges on the water, and your peace of mind. You do not have to face court in this area without guidance. Speaking with a local BUI lawyer in Salisbury can help you understand what you are facing and what options may be available.

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our former prosecutors now focus on defending people accused of crimes, including BUI, and our office is located across from the Wicomico County District Court in Salisbury. We provide direct attorney communication and strategic planning for clients from across the Eastern Shore and beyond.

To talk with an attorney about your BUI case, call (410) 348-7809 or fill out this online form to schedule a free consultation.