BUI Attorney in Denver
35+ Years of DUI Defense. A 90%+ Success Rate. Now Defending BUI Charges.
A Boating Under the Influence charge in Colorado carries the same criminal weight as a DUI. It goes on your record, it carries mandatory jail exposure, and it can follow you through every background check for years. At Fife Luneau, P.C., we bring more than 35 years of DUI & criminal defense experience to these cases. Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases across Colorado with a 90%+ success rate, and we apply that same evidence-focused preparation to every BUI matter.
If you’re facing a BUI charge in the Denver area, don’t wait. We’re available 24/7 and offer free consultations by phone or virtually. Call us now at (720) 408-7130.
What Colorado Law Says About BUI
Colorado Revised Statutes § 33-13-108.1 makes it a misdemeanor to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorized, wind-powered, or flying vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher creates a presumption that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. Even below that threshold, prosecutors can still pursue a charge based on other evidence of impairment. Impairment from marijuana, prescription medication, or any other drug can also support a BUI charge under the same statute.
How Marine Officers Build a BUI Case Near Denver
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and county sheriff’s deputies monitor waterways throughout the Denver area, with enforcement picking up during summer weekends and holidays. Officers can stop a vessel to check safety equipment, and any evidence of alcohol or drug use observed during that stop can prompt a request for a breath or blood test.
Field sobriety tests in BUI cases are typically administered on land or at a dock rather than aboard a moving vessel. That matters defensively. The instability of water conditions directly affects the balance-based tests officers use to build probable cause, and those same tests performed on a dock after time aboard a boat raise reliability questions. Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park are among the busiest boating destinations in the area and see active patrols throughout the boating season.
BUI Penalties Under Colorado Law
Penalties increase sharply for repeat offenses. Here’s what the statute provides:
First BUI Offense
5 days to 1 year in jail, with the mandatory minimum eligible for suspension if the offender completes a court-ordered alcohol and drug evaluation and treatment program. A discretionary fine of $200 to $1,000, up to 96 hours of community service, and a mandatory 3-month ban on operating a vessel.
Repeat Offense Within 5 Years
60 days to 1 year in jail, with up to 55 days suspendable upon completion of a court-ordered alcohol and drug evaluation and treatment program. A fine of $500 to $1,500, 60 to 120 hours of community service, and a 1-year vessel operation ban.
If the incident involved an accident causing injury or death, additional or enhanced charges may apply on top of the BUI itself.
How BUI Differs From DUI in Colorado
There are meaningful legal differences between BUI and DUI that affect both strategy and consequences. A BUI conviction doesn’t trigger a driver’s license suspension because Colorado’s administrative license consequences apply only to motor vehicle offenses. Refusing a chemical test in a BUI case also doesn’t carry the same automatic administrative penalty as a refusal in a DUI, though prosecutors can still use that refusal as evidence at trial.
What doesn’t change: a BUI is a criminal conviction. It appears on background checks and stays on your record unless it is later sealed or expunged. That distinction matters when you’re applying for a job, a professional license, or housing.
Our Approach to BUI Defense
Defending a BUI case means looking hard at the basis for the stop, how field sobriety and chemical tests were conducted, and whether marine officers followed proper procedures throughout. The same agencies that enforce boating safety also control the evidence chain in a BUI investigation, and gaps in that chain can be consequential.
We take a comprehensive approach to case preparation, building the defense record needed to level the playing field against aggressive prosecutors. Our attorneys have state and federal courtroom experience across a wide range of criminal charges, and news and media outlets regularly seek our insight on DUI-related laws and policy. We are members of the National Trial Lawyers Association.
Talk to a Denver BUI Lawyer Today
A BUI charge deserves the same serious defense as any criminal matter. Don’t let a single day on the water define your record. Contact Fife Luneau, P.C. now at (720) 408-7130 to speak with a BUI attorney about your case. We offer free consultations by phone or virtually and are reachable 24 hours a day.
Recent Case Victories
Because Results Matter
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Dismissed Aggravated Robbery, Assault, Violent Crime
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Dismissed Assault and Disorderly Conduct (Domestic Violence)
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Dismissed Assault in the Third Degree (Domestic Violence)
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Dismissed Attempted Murder, Assault, Menacing with a Deadly Weapon, Distribution of Marijuana
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Dismissed Careless Driving
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Dismissed Careless Driving
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“Charlie really helped me through a difficult situation. From the very beginning, he was upfront, honest and realistic about my case. Even though he is extremely busy, he was always quick to respond and took the time to provide thorough answers to all of my questions. What I appreciated most was his straightforward approach. He made it clear that if he believed he could win at trial, he would tell me, but that there was always a chance I could lose and that the final decision would always be mine. I ultimately chose to take my case to trial, which was incredibly nerve-wracking. Before trial, we had a motions hearing. Charlie had prepared a motion that was so well-written and supported by the evidence that the prosecutor decided to dismiss the case before Charlie even had to argue it. Seeing the case dismissed based on the strength of his work was a huge relief and a testament to his preparation, knowledge and attention to detail. What also stood out to me is that Charlie genuinely cares about helping people, and it shows. His years of experience are evident in everything he does, from his detailed communication throughout the process to his calm and confident demeanor in court. His emails thoroughly explained every step of the case, what to expect next and the possible outcomes. Whenever I had questions, he was almost always available for a call and took the time to make sure I understood what was happening. Because of Charlie's work, I avoided a DUI conviction, probation, fines, court costs and many of the long-term consequences that would have followed. The court also sealed the case after it was dismissed, allowing me to move forward with my life. I am incredibly grateful to Charlie and his partner Danny for their guidance and support throughout the process. If you're looking for attorneys who are honest, responsive, knowledgeable and truly dedicated to their clients, I highly recommend them.”- Johnny M.
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“This law firm was able to help a friend of mine in a difficult, new, and terrifying situation. They were able to reduce the charges to a reasonable agreement - and had exceptional courtroom delivery. If for any reason someone needs legal counsel in this area, I would wholeheartedly recommend Danny, and the rest of their firm, Fife and Luneau PC.”- Russell Beyer
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“Fife Luneau was a pleasure to do business with. They are very professional and thorough. Start to finish, well worth the money.- Joani Colwell-Shannon
Highly recommend their service!” -
“- Lani Grogan
I cannot recommend Danny and his team enough. From my very first call, he was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Danny and Jennifer took the time to explain every detail clearly, which gave me immense peace of mind during a stressful time. I am more than grateful for their efforts and getting the result we wanted.
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“- Chris
I can’t recommend Danny Luneau highly enough.
From day one, Danny was exactly what I needed: direct, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable. He never told me what I wanted to hear, he told me what I needed to hear. He was upfront about my chances, explained the strengths and weaknesses of my case, and laid out a strategy based on experience instead of false promises.
What stood out the most was that he was always one step ahead. Every time I had a question or concern, he had already thought about it and had a plan. He knew what arguments the prosecution was likely to make, what evidence actually mattered, what was worth fighting, and what wasn’t. Looking back, it felt like he was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
I was also incredibly impressed with his understanding of marijuana DUI law and the science behind THC impairment. He understood the limitations of blood THC levels, the problems with retrograde extrapolation, and why daily users shouldn’t automatically be viewed the same way as occasional users based solely on a number. He was prepared to bring in expert testimony if necessary and challenge the prosecution with science rather than assumptions. It was obvious he has spent years building expertise in this area.
Throughout the entire process, Danny was responsive, professional, and confident. Even when I was stressed out and asking a hundred questions, he always took the time to explain his thinking and why he was approaching the case the way he was.
In the end, my case was completely dismissed and sealed. I genuinely believe that outcome was the result of Danny’s experience, preparation, and strategic approach.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who will be honest with you, fight intelligently, and know exactly how to navigate the system, Danny Luneau is worth every penny. I couldn’t be more grateful for everything he and his team did for me and my family.
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“- Daniel Justice
In a tough spot you need the best around the Denver metro area. You can count on the Law office of Fife Luneau. Holding the government accountable when you matter most.
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“- David Tillotson
Charlie is a highly reputable class A pro. I have had the pleasure of being his client and definitely recommend him and his team.
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“Danny Luneau is a good man and an amazing attorney. I was facing a misdemeanor charge and had lost my job for a mistake I made. Danny was able to have the charges dismissed and now I can focus on getting my life better. Thank you Danny! This is the second time I have come to Danny for legal defense help and there is no one else I would go to if I were ever is need. I recommend you 10,000%, he does an outstanding job. I am truly grateful!”- Dan Miller
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“The DUI process is a scary one and can be very overwhelming at time. I would 1005 suggest getting in touch with Fife and Luneau attorneys to help. I got a DUI at the end of 2025 and work with Danny Luneau who was very helpful and pointed me in the right direction to help me get start and look better Infront of the Judge by setting me up with things that would be order by the courts and probation. By getting these things started early I will be able to get off probation early. He was also able to KEEP ME OUT OF JAIL which was one if the biggest priority's as my BAC was very very high. SO if you need help with a DUI look no farther the lawyers at Fife Luneau are exactly what you need to help with this hard point in your life!”- David Recob
