Introduction:
Driving beneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you are 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 might help make sure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an breakdown of the thing you need to learn about criminal defense attorney portland.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to work 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 much lower—just .02%. Drivers which are found operating a vehicle with either of the BAC levels is likely to be charged with Driving Underneath 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 may also be suspended for up to 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of their first offense, they can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 along with having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of their previous convictions, they are able to 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 expected 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 along with suspension of your respective driver’s license for 3 years even though he or she was found not guilty at trial due to 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 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 more for those 21 and over while it drops down significantly at just .02% for folks who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty due to lack of evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must conform to such requests when asked by police 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 merely can it be illegal but it may set you back dearly too!