DUI Law in Maine

What is a DUI?

Are you facing a costly DUI in Maine? 

DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.

Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.

Possible Consequences of a Maine DUI Conviction

Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Maine law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Here are some of the possible high costs and common punishments you may experience if convicted following a DUI arrest.

Paying Fines

If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Maine, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. In Maine, DUI is typically referred to as OUI. The fines for a OUI can range from $500 for your first OUI to $2,500 for your 4th offense.

However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:

  • Any damage to property while driving under the influence
  • If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
  • Cases that include child endangerment
  • Any court costs associated with your case

The fines you owe following a conviction can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on your case. Will you face costly jail time?

Jail Time

In several states, jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in jail. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can receive a sentence of several months to over a year in prison. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.

Maine’s Department of Public Safety stipulates that all OUI penalties increase over repeated offenses. In fact, license suspension escalates dramatically from 150 days for a first offense. In fact, it skyrockets to 8 years for a 4th offense. Furthermore, jail time escalates from 48 hours for your first offense, to 6 months on your 4th offense. In addition, overall costs associated with an OUI conviction can reach $7,000.

Probation

If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.

According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, reinstated licenses include the condition of not driving after drinking. A conditional license can be suspended for one year, without a preliminary hearing, for driving with any amount of alcohol in the blood. A conditional license can be suspended for two years for refusal to submit to a blood-alcohol test. This penalty will be added to any suspension already handed down for an OUI conviction.

Drug and Alcohol Education Program

Following a Maine DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.

The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program before reinstating your license.

Suspension or Loss of License

No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.

If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.

What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Maine?

If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:

Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Maine DUI Law

Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Maine  DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.

Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws

Each state, including Maine, has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case. 

Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing

In Maine, you have a short amount of time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license leading up to your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension. You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest.

In Maine, you may request a hearing for an administrative suspension. The written request must be made within 10 days from the effective date of your suspension. You can request a hearing from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Division of Legal Affairs, Adjudications & Hearings in Augusta, Maine.

Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance

You and your attorney will prepare for your court appearance and arraignment. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.

Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration

You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.

Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Maine

Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Maine lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you in Maine today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Maine state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.