BUI Leveraging More Than Two Decades of Experience to Protect Your Future

BUI Lawyer in New Jersey

Charged With BWI? Work Directly With Criminal Defense Partners

New Jersey law calls this offense boating while intoxicated (BWI), though boating under the influence (BUI) is common shorthand. N.J.S.A. 12:7-46 prohibits operating a vessel on state waters while under the influence of alcohol or specified drugs or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. For purposes of the statute, a vessel includes a power vessel or one at least 12 feet long.

A summons or arrest can raise immediate questions about the evidence and potential consequences. The case may turn on who operated the vessel, where the encounter occurred, what officers observed, how testing was conducted, and whether witness accounts or recordings support the allegation. Those details should be reviewed before you decide how to respond.

Call (732) 607-5553 for a free consultation about your boating charge and the evidence the State may use against you.

Personal Attention From Michael Roberts & Matthew Teeter

Roberts & Teeter, LLC is a boutique New Jersey criminal defense firm. Michael B. Roberts and Matthew Teeter personally handle each case rather than handing it off to associates. You can discuss developments and defense decisions directly with the attorneys responsible for your representation.

Our practice focuses on criminal law, including traffic offenses and driving while intoxicated. We also represent clients in domestic violence restraining order and juvenile delinquency proceedings. We listen to your account, examine the circumstances surrounding the allegation, and develop a strategy based on the available record.

What Our Defense Review May Examine

We assess how the prosecution is building its case and look for factual, legal, or procedural weaknesses in the accusation. Michael B. Roberts is a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, a designation relevant to preparing and litigating contested criminal cases.

A detailed review may address:

Vessel operation: Who allegedly controlled the vessel and what evidence supports that claim.
Location and conditions: Where the encounter occurred and what conditions officers documented on the water.
Officer observations: Statements about appearance, speech, balance, behavior, or alleged impairment.
Testing evidence: Field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing, and the procedures used to obtain and document the results.
Witnesses and recordings: Statements, photographs, video, dispatch records, and other available material.
Procedural history: The sequence of the stop, investigation, summons, arrest, and municipal court filings.

The record may support challenging evidence, addressing disputed legal issues, negotiating with the prosecutor, or preparing for municipal court proceedings. We evaluate those options in light of the specific facts rather than assuming that every boating charge should be handled the same way.

New Jersey BWI Law Under N.J.S.A. 12:7-46

N.J.S.A. 12:7-46 applies when someone operates a qualifying vessel on New Jersey waters while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or specified drugs. It also applies when the operator has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.

The statute separately addresses allowing an impaired person to operate a vessel owned by or under the custody or control of the accused. In either situation, the State must prove the applicable statutory elements with admissible evidence tied to the operator, location, vessel, and alleged impairment.

Potential Consequences of a Conviction Under N.J.S.A. 12:7-46

Potential penalties depend on the person’s offense history, alcohol concentration, and whether the allegation involves alcohol or drugs. A first conviction carries different fines and consequences for operating privileges based in part on the test result and substance alleged.

A second conviction can result in fines, 30 days of community service, imprisonment from 48 hours to 90 days, and two-year revocations of vessel-operating and motor-vehicle privileges. A third or subsequent conviction can result in a $1,000 fine, a statutory period of imprisonment subject to the law’s community-service provision, and 10-year revocations of boating and motor-vehicle privileges.

The statute treats certain prior offenses differently when they occurred more than 10 years earlier. Because prior history and the facts proven in court affect sentencing, the potential consequences can’t be determined from the charge alone.

Evidence to Preserve After a Boating Stop

The State’s evidence may include chemical or field testing, officer and witness accounts, and documentary or recorded material. Each category raises questions about how the evidence was collected, preserved, interpreted, and documented.

Keep every summons, test record, release document, court notice, photograph, and other item connected with the encounter. Write down the sequence of events while it remains fresh, including who was present and whether video or audio recordings may exist. Avoid discussing the incident publicly or posting details online.

Discuss the Charge Before Making a Decision

Bring your paperwork and any relevant records to your consultation. We can explain the allegation, assess the evidence, and discuss your options before you enter a plea or make decisions about negotiations, hearings, or trial preparation.

We serve clients throughout New Jersey, and each client works directly with our primary attorneys. That personal involvement allows us to understand your account and evaluate the charge in the context of the complete record.

Call (732) 607-5553 to schedule your free consultation with Roberts & Teeter, LLC.

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With Our Clients Every Step of the Way

"I felt like he fought hard for me and was thorough in representing me in court."
I hired Michael Roberts to represent me in a situation I previously gotten myself into in NJ involving a firearm. Mr. Roberts told me firearms was his specialty and that gave me confidence in him. I can honestly say he didn't disappoint me. I felt like he fought hard for me and was thorough in representing me in court. He kept me informed with how my case was going and whatever new findings he received that would help my case. In the end it worked out for me, so I recommend Michael Roberts in these kind of cases.

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I couldn’t recommend Michael and his team enough! I reached out to the office and left a voicemail, within 24hrs Michael and his team scheduled a call with me. Michael took the time to learn about my case but also me as a client. He has a great background, is extremely knowledgeable, and personable. As a result of his thorough work, I got a positive result on my case, I highly highly recommend his services.

- T Le (TEA)
"I cannot recommend them highly enough."

I am beyond grateful to Roberts and Teeter LLC for what they achieved on my behalf. My DUI from 15 years ago—stemming from a breath test that was later found unreliable due to the mis-calibration scandal known as State v. Cassidy—was reduced to a reckless driving charge. This case uncovered that the Alcotest device used in many DUI convictions was improperly calibrated, undermining the scientific reliability of those results .
For years, I carried the weight—and the embarrassment—of having to disclose a DUI on job applications. Thanks to the law firm’s exceptional skill and efficiency, that burden has been lifted in just two court appearances. Roberts and Teeter LLC restored my peace of mind and reputation, opening the door to a brighter future. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

- Sergio
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Matt Teeter and his firm did an excellent job handeling my DUI Case. Mr Teeter was able to get my DUI dismmissed and lowered to a much lower offense. I will be recommending Mr. Teeter and his firm to anyone facing any traffic violation. Thanks again!!

- That “Tony” Guy

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Experience Wins Cases

With nearly two decades of combined experience the attorneys at Roberts & Teeter have what it takes to effectively fight your case and protect your future.

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What You Get at Roberts & Teeter

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Committed to Communicating with Clients
The lawyers at Roberts & Teeter, LLC are dedicated to keeping clients informed about their cases.
Unique & Personal Representation
Our clients are not handed off to an associate; they work exclusively with the partners of the firm.
Exclusive Focus on Criminal Defense
Roberts & Teeter, LLC only handles matters and cases associated with criminal defense.

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