DUI Law in Maine
What is a DUI?
Are you struggling with the financial and legal burden of a DUI in ?
Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as operating under the influence (OUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), involves operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A conviction can have significant consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. The court process can be life-altering, whether it results in conviction or exoneration.
Understanding your defense options is essential. Below, we outline key information about DUI law and potential penalties. After reviewing, contact a local attorney to guide you through this difficult time. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—take proactive steps today to safeguard your future.
Possible Consequences of a Maine DUI Conviction
DUI penalties vary based on several factors, including your location, the severity of the incident, and whether you have prior convictions. Repeated offenses or aggravating circumstances, such as injuries caused by impaired driving, can lead to harsher penalties.
If this is your first DUI, don’t risk navigating the process alone. Mistakes can be costly. Instead, work with an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and fight to minimize the consequences.
Below are some of the financial and legal penalties you may face following a DUI arrest.
Paying Fines
If convicted of driving under the influence in , you can expect to pay fines as part of your sentence. In Maine, DUI is referred to as OUI (operating under the influence). Fines for an OUI conviction start at $500 for a first offense and can reach $2,500 for a fourth offense.
Jail Time
Jail time is mandatory for DUI convictions in many states, including Maine. For first-time offenders, jail sentences typically range from a couple of days to several months. However, repeat offenses carry much stricter penalties.
In Maine, the Department of Public Safety enforces escalating jail sentences for OUI convictions. First-time offenders face at least 48 hours in jail, while those with multiple offenses can serve up to six months. Aggravating factors, such as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.15 or causing injuries, may result in even longer sentences.
Probation
Even if you avoid jail time, probation is likely part of your sentence. Judges determine the duration of probation, which often includes monthly fees and strict conditions, such as refraining from alcohol and committing no further offenses. Violating probation terms can result in immediate incarceration.
In Maine, reinstated licenses for OUI offenders often carry additional conditions. For instance, driving after consuming any alcohol or refusing a BAC test may result in suspension periods of one or two years without a preliminary hearing.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
After a DUI sentencing in , you are required to complete a drug and alcohol education program. These programs are designed to emphasize the risks and consequences of impaired driving while discouraging future offenses. Keep in mind that participation comes with additional fees, adding to your financial burden.
As part of the program, you’ll undergo an evaluation to assess whether alcohol or drug dependency is present. If dependency is identified, you may be required to complete a substance abuse treatment program before regaining your driving privileges.
Suspension or Loss of License
License suspension is a standard penalty for DUI convictions. In Maine, license suspensions for a first OUI offense start at 150 days. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, with suspensions extending up to eight years for a fourth offense.
Driving privileges can also be revoked entirely if you refuse a blood-alcohol test or violate conditions tied to a conditional license. Suspensions are designed not only as punishment but also to prevent further incidents.
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 after a DUI arrest, contact an attorney familiar with DUI laws. A skilled attorney will help you prepare for arraignment and develop a defense to minimize penalties or fight for your exoneration.
Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws
DUI laws vary by state. Your attorney will explain the specific charges against you and the potential consequences, ensuring you understand your options.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
In Maine, you must request a hearing for an administrative suspension within 10 days of the suspension’s effective date. This hearing is managed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Division of Legal Affairs in Augusta. Failing to request a hearing in time will result in an automatic suspension of your license.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
Work with your attorney to prepare for your court appearance and arraignment. If you plead “not guilty,” your attorney will represent you as the judge and jury hear your case.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
After your case, you will either be found “not guilty” and walk free or face sentencing for a conviction. Having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial for navigating this process.
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!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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