Arrested for DUI in Irvine, CA? Get a Team of Experts in Your Corner

BUI Attorney in Irvine: Defend Your Rights After a Boating Under the Influence Charge

Confused & Worried After a BUI Arrest? Our Attorneys Can Help.

If you have been charged with boating under the influence in Irvine, you may feel anxious, confused, and unsure about what to do next. For many, this is their first encounter with the legal system, and suddenly everything—your record, reputation, and job—feels at risk. The legal process for a BUI charge can be intimidating, with the possibility of serious penalties and consequences that affect your everyday life.

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we help people whose lives have been disrupted by one mistake or a momentary lapse in judgment. You are not just facing a legal accusation, but real consequences that could touch every part of your future. Our team understands how overwhelming this situation feels, and we are here to guide you with respect, clarity, and steady support, so you never face the courts or the DMV alone.

As pioneers in DUI and BUI defense, our goal is to protect your rights from the very start. When you work with us, you regain control and get the support you need to make informed, confident decisions about your defense.

What Sets Our BUI Defense Team Apart in Irvine

Before we discuss the law or possible outcomes, you need to know who you can trust with your future. Our practice is dedicated entirely to defending DUI and BUI cases. Founded in 1979, The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor was California’s first law firm focused only on these cases, and that exclusive dedication still drives us today.

Our attorneys have decades of relevant experience, including former prosecutors who understand how Orange County’s District Attorney’s Office prosecutes BUI cases. Our founder, Lawrence Taylor, wrote the country’s most respected textbook on DUI defense, now in its ninth edition and cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. We are also the only firm in California approved by the State Bar to train other lawyers in DUI and BUI law. This recognition means you work with attorneys trusted to set legal standards.

Our in-house technical experts build your defense on science:

Former law enforcement officers who know proper police procedures
Blood alcohol specialists skilled in forensic analysis
Consultants familiar with DMV hearings and license issues

Courts and prosecutors in Irvine and throughout Orange County know that when our team is on a case, your defense will be thorough and taken seriously. Our combination of scientific depth and legal experience is not found in general practice firms that handle many types of law.

Understanding BUI Charges & What’s at Stake in Irvine

Being accused of BUI in Irvine is often a complete shock. In California, it is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as described in Harbors and Navigation Code Section 655. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and harbor patrols regularly enforce these laws on Irvine Lake and other nearby waterways, leading to BUI arrests every year.

Penalties & Consequences of a BUI Conviction

Penalties for BUI can include substantial fines, probation, mandatory alcohol programs, a suspension of your boating privileges, and, in more severe cases, jail time. If someone is injured or property is damaged, penalties may increase. Many people do not realize that a BUI arrest in Irvine can also affect your driver’s license through DMV proceedings.

BUI cases in Irvine are generally heard at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Administrative driver’s license consequences are handled by the local Department of Motor Vehicles. The outcome depends on several case factors, such as your blood alcohol concentration, prior criminal history, and details of your arrest. Our attorneys guide you through each of these, making sure you avoid surprises along the way.

How We Defend BUI Cases—What Makes Our Approach Unique

Every BUI case deserves a defense grounded in science and experience. We begin every case by reviewing every detail, from the stop on the water to the way chemical tests were handled. Our in-house experts investigate the reliability of breathalyzer devices, the accuracy of blood alcohol analysis, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.

Building Strong BUI Defenses in Irvine

Clients in Irvine and Orange County have benefited from this focused approach, sometimes achieving results like case reductions, successful DMV hearings, or full dismissals when the evidence did not support a conviction. While no attorney can promise a specific result, our goal is to build the strongest defense based on facts, science, and decades of proven methods.

We focus on critical factors that can make or break your case:

Challenging field sobriety tests conducted on unstable surfaces
Examining the calibration and maintenance of breath-testing equipment
Evaluating the chain of custody for blood samples
Identifying violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation

What to Do After a BUI Arrest in Irvine

The hours after a BUI arrest in Irvine can be overwhelming and confusing. Your choices now may shape your options in the weeks ahead. Taking proactive, informed steps early can help protect your record and your future.

Key actions to take after a BUI arrest in Irvine:

Contact a BUI lawyer in Irvine right away. Having experienced representation ensures you do not forfeit important rights or miss deadlines with the DMV.
Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Anything you say to law enforcement or post online could be used against you later.
Save all paperwork from law enforcement. These may include details about your criminal charge, future hearing dates at the Harbor Justice Center, or instructions from the local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Comply carefully with all court and DMV instructions. Court and DMV hearings can be scheduled very quickly after an arrest. Missing these dates could increase penalties or cause immediate license suspension.

If you are uncertain about any step, our attorneys are here to answer your questions and act quickly to secure your best outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a BUI attorney in Irvine do to fight my charges?

A BUI attorney in Irvine can examine every aspect of your arrest and apply specialized knowledge to challenge the evidence. Our team will review how your field sobriety tests were given, analyze the collection and handling of breath or blood samples, and ensure that law enforcement followed required procedures. With in-house technical experts in law enforcement and blood alcohol analysis, we may find problems with the prosecution’s evidence that can help your defense. We also handle communication with prosecutors and represent you at the Harbor Justice Center, so every legal issue is addressed.

Will a BUI arrest affect my driver’s license or boating privileges?

A BUI arrest can affect both your boating and driving privileges, depending on the facts of your situation and the outcome at the DMV hearing. Sometimes, the DMV may start proceedings to suspend your license when alcohol or drug use is suspected. We are experienced in representing clients during DMV hearings locally in Irvine and Orange County, and we work to protect your license every step of the way. Factors include your BAC, criminal record, and what occurred after arrest. Our team will advise you about your specific risks and how to address them.

How is a BUI different from a DUI in California?

BUI involves operating a boat under the influence while DUI refers to driving a car or other motor vehicle. California uses Harbors and Navigation Code Section 655 for BUI and Vehicle Code Section 23152 for DUI. While both carry fines and possible jail, arrest procedures, testing methods, and some penalties differ. Since we are approved by the California State Bar to teach DUI and BUI law to other attorneys, our team guides clients through the process at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach and local DMV offices, pointing out key differences affecting your case in Irvine.

Can you help if I failed a breath or blood test?

Yes, we can help even if you failed a breath or blood test during your BUI arrest. Chemical tests are subject to errors from machine calibration, handling, and even medical or technical issues. Our technical and legal team in Irvine reviews each step, looking for procedural or scientific weaknesses. If we find flaws, we use them to challenge prosecution evidence and to build a stronger defense for you. A failed test is not the end of your case, and we will explain every available option.

What should I avoid doing after a BUI arrest in Irvine?

You should avoid talking about your arrest with anyone but your lawyer, posting about it on social media, or neglecting paperwork deadlines. Missing a court or DMV date, such as those at the Harbor Justice Center in Orange County, can make your situation worse. Early communication with a BUI attorney in Irvine helps you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case. Our team knows which steps make a difference and can guide you through each one.

How much does it cost to hire your team?

Our fees reflect the complexity of your case and the expert resources involved in your defense. We explain our fees and payment options during your consultation, so there are no surprises. We want anyone facing a BUI charge in Irvine to have access to high-quality defense and strive to keep our services as clear and affordable as possible. With us, you get not only legal advocacy, but ongoing support from a team that cares about your future.

Talk to Our Irvine BUI Attorneys Today

If you are ready to take the next step to protect your future, our attorneys are prepared to help right here in Irvine. When you reach out, you will speak with a team that understands BUI law in depth, has represented clients in Orange County courts, and values empathy as much as technical experience.

We want you to feel comfortable and heard. There is no judgment—only a focus on your next steps and advocacy from lawyers who literally wrote the book on DUI and BUI defense.

Contact The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor at (949) 752-1550 to schedule your confidential consultation. Let us stand beside you from the very start.

Schedule Your Consultation Now

Unfortunately, it is legally impossible to erase the conviction completely from their criminal record. Only an arrest or detention that did not result in a conviction can be erased from a criminal record. Stay tuned for a later post on “seal and destroying” an arrest that did not result in a conviction.

Having said all that, an expungement is a beneficial tool in cleaning, not clearing, a criminal record. It might be the difference between getting that job and not.

If you have been convicted of DUI or a DUI-related offense and wish to have the conviction expunged, contact the Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor. The entire process shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks and, depending upon the jurisdiction, you will probably not have to personally appear in court.

You Should Know

Hear from the People We've Helped

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"I cannot express enough gratitude towards Taylor and Taylor's Attorney, Jeanne Normandeau. I hired Mrs. Normandeau for a VERY messy DUI case. Not only did she approach it with the utmost professionalism, but also displayed a level of empathy that is unmatc"

Bruce R.
"This is a top level law firm. The Bible of DUI's comes from this firm! These are the guys other attorneys call when they are stuck on a legal issue or need some guidance. There is no other firm or DUI attorney that has the kind of experience these folks do"

Tania C.
"Im am so glad that I read the reviews of Taylor and Taylor after my first "incident" and immediately contacted them. Chris was great at calming my nerves as this was my 1st offense and at a .06 it was right on the line on a trial or pleading it o"

Suzi J.
"I received counsel in a sensitive legal matter from Lawrence Taylor Sr., and his advice was spot on. I did some research and I also know that the senior Mr. Taylor is in the top echelon in his field. He has written text books on DUI and he has taught the t"

Jerry S.
"She will fight for you and will get you the best results after fighting with the judge and DA. She is honest and smart. Never had any problems, answers all questions and is always easy to contact. If you have the money, I recommend Jeanne. The public defen"

Joe E.
"You should never drink and drive anywhere, but especially don't do it in la Jolla! Cops down here have nothing better to do then make your life miserable. It is also a college town which adds assault to injury. I should take my own advice because I was rec"

Steven K.
"When you need to get a lawyer, you aren't usually in a great situation. I wasn't at least. Christopher and his team never made me feel ashamed, they just help me get through a situation where stuff happens."

Jessica S.
"Every phone call was returned in a timely and courteous manner. The first consultation was very professional, and my attorney Chris patiently answered every question I had. In situations like this, responsiveness is key and this firm never left me feeling "

Anthony D.
"These are the best lawyers in LA/OC when it comes to DUI cases. My Attorney Chris Taylor was impeccable in many aspects; one he interrogated the officer causing him to fumble with his initial statement; two he is well respected within the courtroom; three "

Kendall L.
"Truly great team of lawyers. Handled everything the very best they could. Can definitely rely on them."

Nick T.

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