Introduction:
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you’re 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. Here’s an overview of what you need to understand about portland maine criminal defense lawyers.
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) degree of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal drinking limit is much lower—just .02%. Drivers which can be found operating a vehicle with either of those BAC levels will soon be charged with Driving Beneath 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 depend on whether or not it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face as much as 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license is likewise 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 approximately 2 years. When it comes to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they can face 10 years in prison with fines ranging 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 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 up to 3 years even if 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 he/she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police force officers in regards to 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 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 only .02% for those who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty because of lack of evidence obtained through testing results which supports 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. When it comes time getting behind the wheel remember not only could it be illegal but it may set you back dearly too!