Introduction:
Driving underneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is really a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you are convicted of a DUI, you could 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 the thing you need to learn about how to get out of an oui in maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) amount 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 will undoubtedly 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 can lead to additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The consequences for DUIs rely on whether or not it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they may face up to 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license may also be 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 along with having their license suspended for 2 years. In regards to third-time offenders within 10 years of these previous convictions, they can face 10 years in prison with fines which range 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 can result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted along with suspension of your respective driver’s license for up to 3 years even when he/she was found not guilty at trial as a result of insufficient evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can 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 in regards to the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is vital so that 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 higher for anyone 21 and over while it drops down significantly at only .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can 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 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 just could it be illegal but it may run you dearly too!
