When a person is accused of boating under the influence, they are often charged for these crimes by the United States Coast Guard. When this happens, the Coast Guard will use their own procedures to deal with suspects, including allowing individuals to request a hearing regarding their case. These hearings can be used by anyone charged with an intoxicated boating crime who wants to dispute the charges. However, they aren't meant to be a full trial for the allegations.
If you've been charged with boating under the influence of alcohol or other substances, you are entitled to defend yourself under the law. For more information about your rights and options regarding Coast Guard hearings, contact the Mercer Island Coast Guard hearings attorneys of Cowan Kirk today by calling 1-866-822-1230.
Coast Guard Hearing Requirements
Coast Guard hearings should be treated more like appeals than trials. In order to be successful, a person needs to follow these rules when pursing a hearing:
- All hearings need to be requested in writing
- Written proposals should contain a summary of the appeal
- The defendant must bring forward any evidence they want to use
- The defendant won't be automatically provided with their own legal defender
- Hearings can be scheduled in-person or through video
A successful hearing can potentially result in reduced penalties or even having the charges dropped altogether by the Coast Guard.
Contact Us
If you're facing BUI charges from the Coast Guard, you may be facing a process that seems entirely unfamiliar. To learn more about how we may be able to help you during this difficult time, contact the Mercer Island Coast Guard hearings lawyers of Cowan Kirk at 1-866-822-1230 today.
