Introduction:
Driving beneath 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 may be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws can help make sure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Listed here is an breakdown of the thing you need to understand 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 old, the legal drinking limit is much lower—just .02%. Drivers that are found operating a vehicle with either of these BAC levels will be faced with Driving Beneath the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by law enforcement officers after being arrested for suspected drunk driving. Refusal to submit to such tests can result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The results for DUIs rely on whether 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 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of their first offense, they are able to face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 as well as having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. In regards 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 while 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 officers following an arrest made on suspicion of drunk driving. Refusal to take such tests can lead to additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted along with suspension of one’s driver’s license for approximately 3 years even if 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 she or he refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by law enforcement officers concerning the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is essential so 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 maybe more for those 21 and over although it drops down significantly just .02% for people who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even when one isn’t guilty because of lack of evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must conform to 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 might cost you dearly too!