Boating Under the Influence (BUI) May Now Be Used to Enhance a Sentence for Tennessee Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Beginning July 1, 2022, a conviction for a Tennessee Boating Under the Influence (BUI) offense may be used to increase the penalties when a person is charged in Tennessee with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).  Prior to July 1, 2022, only the following criminal convictions could be used to enhance a DUI Offender’s jail time in Tennessee:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI);
  • Vehicular Assault;
  • Aggravated Vehicular Assault;
  • Vehicular Homicide; and
  • Aggravated Vehicular Homicide.

To determine if and how your Tennessee Boating Under the Influence charge may impact your rights and potential exposure to increased jail time in the future, it is important for you to consult with a Tennessee attorney who is knowledgeable about these crimes and penalties.

Source: Tennessee Code Annotated §55-10-405.