When a person is charged with a BUI through the United States Coast Guard, they will go through this military organization to deal with their charges. For many people, this sort of experience is unlike any other legal proceeding they have previously seen or heard of. These hearings do follow a relatively straightforward, albeit strict, procedure that a person should know if they intend to defend themselves against BUI charges.
If you have been charged with BUI and are facing penalties from the U.S. Coast Guard, we may be able to help you prepare for your hearing. For more information regarding our full range of legal defense services, contact the Lynnwood Coast Guard hearing attorneys of Cowan Kirk at 866-822-1230 today.
How Do Coast Guard Hearings Work?
The U.S. Coast Guard runs its own criminal hearings for those boaters charged with intoxicated operation of a watercraft in Coast Guard jurisdictions. This means that anyone wanting to defend themselves from these charges will need to work within the Coast Guard's framework.
The following steps are required if a person wants to request a defense hearing for BUI charges:
- A person can request either a video or in-person hearing.
- Before the hearing, all requests need to be put in writing.
- A request needs to detail what a person intends to do and achieve with a hearing.
- A person may hire an attorney to help them with their hearing.
- A defendant needs to produce evidence for their case.
While the Coast Guard allows video hearings, a person may still need to go to a Coast Guard facility to use their video chat hardware.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with BUI by the U.S. Coast Guard, defense options may be available to help you protect your good name. To learn more about your rights and options as a BUI defendant, contact the Lynnwood Coast Guard hearing lawyers of Cowan Kirk today by calling 866-822-1230.
