Introduction:
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is just a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of your 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. Here is an breakdown of things you need to know about criminal defense attorney portland.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to use 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 a lot lower—just .02%. Drivers which are found operating a car with either of the BAC levels is likely to be faced with Driving Beneath 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 or not it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they may face as much as 364 days in jail and fines including $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license is likewise suspended for 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of these first offense, they could face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 as well as having their license suspended for 2 years. In regards to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they could face 10 years in prison with fines ranging from $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 law enforcement 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 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 as a result of lack of evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal may also be used against someone during trial if he/she 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 that you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble should you ever find yourself behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or older for anyone 21 and over while it drops down significantly at just .02% for folks who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can lead to additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty because of lack of 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 in accordance with implied consent laws in this state. In regards time getting behind the wheel remember not only could it be illegal but it may cost you dearly too!