Penalties of a DUI Conviction in Maine

Introduction:

Driving under 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 could 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 sure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Listed here is an summary of the thing you need to understand about criminal defense attorney portland.

Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit

In Maine, it is illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to use 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 much lower—just .02%. Drivers which are found operating a vehicle with either of these BAC levels will be faced with Driving Underneath the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by law enforcement 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 consequences for DUIs rely on if it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face up to 364 days in jail and fines ranging from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license is likewise suspended for approximately 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 2 years. When it comes to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they could face 10 years in prison with fines including $2,000-$5,000 while having their license suspended for 6 years.

Implied Consent Law

Under Maine’s implied consent law drivers are needed by law to submit to chemical tests when asked by police force 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 as well as suspension of one’s driver’s license for up to 3 years even if she or he was found not guilty at trial because of lack of evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can also be used against someone during trial if he/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 essential so that you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble in case you ever get 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 only .02% for those who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even though one isn’t guilty because of not enough evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must comply with 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. When it comes time getting behind the wheel remember not only is it illegal but it could cost you dearly too!