Introduction:
Driving under 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 might be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws will help make certain that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here is an overview of the thing you need to know about lawyers in portland maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to work a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) degree of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years of age, the legal drinking limit is much lower—just .02%. Drivers that are found operating an automobile with either of these BAC levels will soon be faced with Driving Beneath the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by police 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 consequences for DUIs depend on whether or not it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they may face as much as 364 days in jail and fines ranging from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license will also be suspended for up to 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of the first offense, they can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 in addition to having their license suspended for 2 years. When it comes to third-time offenders within 10 years of these previous convictions, they could face 10 years in prison with fines which range from $2,000-$5,000 while 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 police force 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 3 years even though he or she was found not guilty at trial because of lack of evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can also be used against someone during trial if he or she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police officers in regards to 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 find yourself behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or older for anyone 21 and over whilst it drops down significantly just .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can lead to additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty as a result of lack of evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must adhere to such requests when asked by police force officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving according to implied consent laws in this state. As it pertains time getting behind the wheel remember not just could it be illegal but it could set you back dearly too!