Introduction:
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is just 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 will help ensure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Listed here is an summary of the thing you need to understand about criminal defense attorney maine.
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) level of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal drinking limit is significantly lower—just .02%. Drivers which can be found operating a car with either of these 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 force officers after being arrested for suspected drunk driving. Refusal to submit to such tests may result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The effects for DUIs rely on if it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they might face as much as 364 days in jail and fines ranging from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license may also be suspended for 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of the first offense, they are able to face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 along with having their license suspended for up to 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of their 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 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 along with suspension of one’s driver’s license for approximately 3 years even when he or she was found not guilty at trial because of lack of evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can be used against someone during trial if he/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 essential so that 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 individuals who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even though one isn’t guilty because of not enough evidence obtained through testing results which helps 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. As it pertains time getting behind the wheel remember not only can it be illegal but it might run you dearly too!