Introduction:
Driving underneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is really 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 your driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws will help make sure that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Listed here is an summary of things you need to know about criminal defense attorney portland.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it is illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) degree 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 those BAC levels will undoubtedly be charged 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 results for DUIs depend on whether or not it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they might face as much as 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license will also be suspended for 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of their first offense, they are able to face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 in addition to having their license suspended for 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they could 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 required 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 as well as suspension of your respective driver’s license for approximately 3 years even when he/she was found not guilty at trial as a result of insufficient 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 officers about 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 should you ever get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or higher for anyone 21 and over while it drops down significantly at just .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty because of 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 based on implied consent laws in this state. When it comes time getting behind the wheel remember not merely is it illegal but it could cost you dearly too!
