Introduction:
Driving underneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is just a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you should be convicted of a DUI, you can be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws might help make certain that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an overview of things you need to learn about oui lawyer near me.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it is illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to work a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) amount of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years of age, the legal drinking limit is significantly lower—just .02%. Drivers which are found operating a car with either of the BAC levels will undoubtedly be faced with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by police officers after being arrested for suspected drunk driving. Refusal to submit to such tests can lead to additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The effects for DUIs depend on whether it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face around 364 days in jail and fines including $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license may also be suspended for 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of their first offense, they could face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 in addition to having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of these previous convictions, they are able to face 10 years in prison with fines which range from $2,000-$5,000 whilst 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 can result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted in addition to suspension of one’s driver’s license for 3 years even if he/she was found not guilty at trial due to insufficient evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can also be used against someone during trial if she or he refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police officers in regards to the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is important so you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble in case you ever find yourself behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or older for those 21 and over although it drops down significantly at just .02% for individuals who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even though one isn’t guilty due to lack of evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must adhere to such requests when asked by police officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving in accordance with implied consent laws in this state. When it comes time getting behind the wheel remember not merely is it illegal but it may set you back dearly too!
