Introduction:

Driving beneath 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 might be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws might help ensure that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here is an breakdown of things you need to know about portland maine criminal defense lawyers.

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 a vehicle with either of those BAC levels will be charged with Driving Under 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 lead to additional penalties and fines.

Consequences for DUIs

The results for DUIs rely on if it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they may face around 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license will also be suspended for approximately 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of the first offense, they could face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 as well as having their license suspended for up to 2 years. When it comes to third-time offenders within 10 years of these previous convictions, they could face 10 years in prison with fines including $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 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 your respective driver’s license for approximately 3 years even when she or he was found not guilty at trial because of insufficient evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal may also be used against someone during trial if she or he refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by law enforcement 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 get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or older for those 21 and over whilst it drops down significantly just .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty as a result of lack of evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must comply with such requests when asked by police force 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 just could it be illegal but it might run you dearly too!