Introduction:
Driving beneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you are convicted of a DUI, you could be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws can help ensure that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an overview of what you need to learn about criminal defense attorney maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) degree of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal drinking limit is a lot lower—just .02%. Drivers which are found operating an automobile with either of the BAC levels is going to be charged with Driving Underneath the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by police force officers after being arrested for suspected drunk driving. Refusal to submit to such tests can result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The results for DUIs be determined by if it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face as much as 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license may also be suspended for approximately 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of the first offense, they can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 as well as having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. In regards to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they can face 10 years in prison with fines which range from $2,000-$5,000 while having their license suspended for 6 years.
Implied Consent Law
Under Maine’s implied consent law drivers are expected by law to submit to chemical tests when asked by police officers following an arrest made on suspicion of drunk driving. Refusal to take such tests may result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted along with suspension of one’s driver’s license for approximately 3 years even if he or she was found not guilty at trial due to not enough evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal may also be used against someone during trial if he or she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police force officers about the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is vital so you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble should you ever get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or more for anyone 21 and over while it drops down significantly at only .02% for folks who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even when one isn’t guilty due to insufficient evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must adhere to such requests when asked by law enforcement officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving according to implied consent laws in this state. In regards time getting behind the wheel remember not merely could it be illegal but it might run you dearly too!
