BUI Attorney in Sheboygan

Confident Defense Against Boating Charges in Sheboygan & Beyond

When you are facing Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges in Sheboygan, having an experienced and trusted legal ally is invaluable. At Melowski & Singh, LLC, our team has decades of hands-on experience providing diligent representation for clients accused of BUI throughout the Sheboygan area and across Wisconsin. We recognize how a BUI conviction can impact not just your record but your employment and future boating privileges on Lake Michigan, the Sheboygan River, or any of the region’s beautiful waterways. Our BUI attorneys in Sheboygan work relentlessly to protect your rights, offering strategic representation backed by our deep understanding of local procedures and the stakes involved.

For many people, a BUI arrest occurs unexpectedly during recreational outings, festivals, or family boating trips along Sheboygan's busy shoreline. Unlike standard DUI defense cases, BUI enforcement involves unique legal processes and is carried out by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as well as the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office. A conviction can affect your ability to access Sheboygan's public launches, impact insurance rates, and lead to restrictions on future boating. At Melowski & Singh, LLC, our approach goes far beyond the basics—you get comprehensive guidance and strategic advocacy that addresses every aspect of these charges. We leverage our knowledge of how Sheboygan prosecutors typically pursue BUI cases and help you navigate local legal nuances, so you can avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary penalties. Our longstanding relationship with the community and familiarity with Sheboygan’s legal landscape enable us to tailor our strategies for the best possible defense.

Reach out to Melowski & Singh, LLC or call us at (920) 294-1414 for immediate, reliable support from a team of experienced BUI lawyers in Sheboygan.

Why Choose Our Team as Your BUI Attorney in Sheboygan?

Clients consistently choose our firm as their BUI lawyer in Sheboygan because of our tangible track record and unwavering commitment to robust legal defense. Since 1993, our attorneys have achieved meaningful outcomes for individuals facing BUI and DUI defense charges, offering innovative legal strategies, transparent communication, and trial-ready preparation. We take pride in being open about our results; our documented history of success gives clients confidence throughout the process. Our team is repeatedly recognized by peers across the state for our approach, and we've built a reputation for clear guidance and real, lasting impact in the lives of those we represent.

Our depth of experience with Sheboygan courts, circuit court procedures, and the specifics of local waterway enforcement truly sets us apart. Unlike attorneys who may treat BUI cases as routine, we invest in staying current with new developments, DNR enforcement trends, and relevant case law impacting boaters in the area. We also understand the importance of consistent client communication—our team remains accessible, responsive, and committed to keeping you informed at each step. Whether you are a resident, seasonal visitor, or someone passing through Sheboygan’s scenic waterways, we bring clarity and confidence to what can be an overwhelming process. Choosing Melowski & Singh, LLC means working with a team of BUI attorneys in Sheboygan that genuinely understands the stakes and fights to protect your reputation, freedom, and future access to Sheboygan’s boating community.

Learn about some of our past case results here.

How Our BUI Attorneys in Sheboygan Defend Your Rights

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws in Wisconsin are aggressively enforced, especially on Lake Michigan, the Sheboygan River, and popular inland lakes. Local agencies—primarily the DNR and area law enforcement—regularly patrol high-traffic boating routes, and their procedures often differ significantly from those used for DUI defense stops on roads. In Wisconsin, BUI laws make it unlawful to operate motorized vessels or certain non-motorized craft with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above, or while otherwise impaired by alcohol or drugs.

When you work with us as your BUI attorney in Sheboygan, we take a proactive and detailed approach, focusing on these essential defense strategies:

• Carefully reviewing the stop: We analyze the basis for your vessel’s stop, scrutinizing whether DNR or law enforcement followed proper legal procedures and respected your rights at all times.
• Challenging test results: We investigate how field sobriety and chemical tests were conducted—understanding that water-based testing can be less reliable due to factors like wake, vessel rocking, or weather.
• Spotlighting unique circumstances: We account for Sheboygan’s distinct boating environment, considering seasonal patterns, local habits, and any environmental conditions that may have influenced the interaction or evidence.
• Preparing for trial when needed: We prepare every BUI case as if it will proceed to trial in Sheboygan County Circuit Court, giving you strong advocacy whether through negotiation or litigation.

Our approach is never one-size-fits-all. We craft personalized, action-based strategies that reflect the influx of seasonal boating traffic, increased enforcement during local festivals, and any recent shifts in DNR patrol emphasis. Keeping up with current BUI legal precedents allows us to address your case from a place of agility and depth.

We know that defending a BUI case requires attention to both the science and local procedures involved. Evidence collection on the water is uniquely challenging—boat movement, weather, and the absence of typical roadside cues can complicate officers' observations. Our team consults with boating safety professionals and applies our deep knowledge of Sheboygan's waterways to better understand and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. We also carefully assess how law enforcement handled your stop, ensuring their processes complied with both Wisconsin statutes and Sheboygan community standards. By addressing every angle, we build a defense that genuinely reflects your experience and provides every chance for the best resolution possible.

What to Expect When Facing a BUI Charge in Sheboygan County

Confronting a BUI accusation in Sheboygan County can be confusing and stressful, especially for those unfamiliar with local enforcement practices on Wisconsin waterways. Our priority is to make sure you understand each step, know your rights, and feel confidently prepared as your case moves forward.

The process, as handled by our BUI attorneys in Sheboygan, typically includes:

• Immediate assessment: We start by thoroughly reviewing your ticket, officer reports, and the details of your interaction with law enforcement.
• Investigating local enforcement: Our attorneys examine how Sheboygan County authorities, including the DNR, handled your case, verifying whether warnings and testing processes were strictly followed state statutes.
• Filing motions: If there were procedural violations, questionable evidence, or improper administration of sobriety tests, we promptly file motions to contest or suppress any invalid evidence.
• Negotiation or trial preparation: Depending on the specifics of your case, we may negotiate for reduced or amended charges or develop a trial strategy for Sheboygan County Circuit Court.
• Clear client communication: We keep you up to date with honest, straightforward guidance and answer your questions as they arise.

Because boating is such an integral part of Sheboygan’s culture—especially during spring and summer—law enforcement agencies increase patrols at busy marinas, festival sites, and high-traffic waters. We use our local insight to anticipate common patterns, ensuring your defense is tailored to the practices and attitudes of local authorities. Understanding the rhythm of enforcement and the potential for increased stops during weekends and holiday periods gives our clients an advantage.

Beyond the courtroom, BUI charges can lead to other consequences, such as temporary restrictions on your boat registration, additional insurance queries, or concerns about future boating privileges in Sheboygan County. We proactively help you address these challenges and remain by your side as you deal with the practical and personal impact of your case. Our familiarity with the Sheboygan County Circuit Court enables us to guide you through hearings, evidence gathering, and preparation for testimony, ensuring that you are never left to navigate the complexities alone. With our comprehensive support, you gain not just legal defense, but a committed team invested in your well-being and future on Wisconsin’s waters.

Call (920) 294-1414 today to schedule a confidential consultation and discover how we can protect your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Considered Boating Under the Influence in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, BUI means operating a motorboat or certain other vessels while your blood alcohol concentration is at or above 0.08%, or while you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, as determined by law enforcement or the DNR. This applies whether the boat is on Lake Michigan, the Sheboygan River, or any state waterway.

Are the Penalties for BUI the Same as for DUI in Wisconsin?

BUI penalties in Wisconsin may include fines, possible jail time for repeat offenses, and loss of boating privileges. While these penalties are typically less severe than those for DUI defense, a conviction remains serious and can affect your record as well as your future boating and employment opportunities.

How Quickly Should I Contact a BUI Lawyer?

It's best to reach out to a BUI attorney in Sheboygan as soon as you've been cited or arrested. Early action helps protect your legal rights, preserves key evidence, and allows your legal team to respond decisively before deadlines or administrative consequences take effect.

Can My Driver’s License Be Suspended for a BUI?

For a first-time BUI, your driver's license is generally not suspended. However, certain circumstances, such as multiple DUI offenses or aggravating factors, may impact your driving privileges or result in additional administrative actions being reported on your record.

What Happens During a BUI Stop on the Water in Sheboygan?

DNR or local law enforcement in Sheboygan may stop your boat to check for potential impairment, safety equipment, and compliance with regulations. If they suspect impairment, they may carry out field sobriety tests or administer a chemical test, sometimes at a dock or onshore station.

Consulting with our legal team is a crucial step to regaining control and approaching your case with confidence. Contact us online today.