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Arrested for Boating Under the Influence on the Delta?

BUI Defense for Arrest Made by the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department

A weekend on the Delta can change in an instant. What begins as a day of boating with family and friends can end with flashing lights, a field sobriety investigation, and an arrest by the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Boating Safety Unit.

 

If you were arrested for boating under the influence (BUI) on the California Delta, you are likely facing criminal charges that will be heard in the San Joaquin County Superior Court. Before making decisions about your case, speak with an attorney who understands the local courts and the unique circumstances surrounding Delta boating arrests.

 

Call today for a confidential consultation.

The Delta Is Different

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is unlike any other boating destination in California. With hundreds of miles of interconnected rivers, sloughs, marinas, waterfront restaurants, and weekend gathering spots, it attracts thousands of recreational boaters every summer.Law enforcement knows this.

 

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Boating Safety Unit patrols the Delta throughout the year and significantly increases enforcement during the boating season. Deputies regularly stop vessels to investigate suspected boating under the influence and other boating violations.

 

Many BUI arrests originate in areas such as:

  • Tower Park

  • Potato Slough

  • Mildred Island

  • Eight Mile Road

  • Buckley Cove

  • Ladd's Marina

  • Stockton Deep Water Channel

  • Discovery Bay

  • The San Joaquin River

  • The Mokelumne River

  • Nearby Delta marinas and waterways throughout San Joaquin County

 

If your arrest occurred anywhere on the Delta, your case deserves a careful review.

What Happens During a Delta BUI Investigation?

Every investigation is different, but a BUI arrest may involve:

 

  • A vessel stop by Sheriff's deputies

  • Questions about alcohol consumption

  • Field sobriety exercises performed on shore or at a marina

  • Breath or chemical testing

  • Witness interviews

  • Accident investigations, if a collision occurred

 

The facts surrounding the stop, the investigation, and the evidence collected can all be important.

Possible Penalties

Depending on the circumstances, a BUI conviction may carry:

 

  • Criminal fines

  • Probation

  • Jail time

  • Court-ordered education

  • A permanent criminal record

 

Cases involving accidents, injuries, or prior convictions may expose a person to more serious penalties.

Every Case Should Be Carefully Examined

An arrest is only the beginning of the case.

 

Important questions may include:

 

  • Why was the vessel stopped?

  • Were the field sobriety exercises appropriate under the circumstances?

  • Was chemical testing properly administered?

  • Were proper procedures followed during the investigation?

  • Can the prosecution prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt?

 

The answers depend on the specific facts of your case.

Local Representation Matters

Most Delta BUI cases are investigated by the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted in the local courts. 

 

Working with an attorney familiar with the local criminal justice system can help you understand:

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  • What happens after your arrest

  • The court process

  • The possible outcomes

  • Your available legal options

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

 

If you were arrested for boating under the influence anywhere on the California Delta—including Tower Park, Buckley Cove, Discovery Bay, Potato Slough, the San Joaquin River, the Mokelumne River, or another Delta waterway—contact us to discuss your case.

© 2020 by Pereira Law  

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