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 can 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 certain that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an summary of the thing you need to understand about how to get out of an oui in maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it is illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to use a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal drinking limit is a lot lower—just .02%. Drivers which can be found operating a vehicle with either of those BAC levels will be charged 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 results for DUIs depend on whether or not it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they might 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 could face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 along with having their license suspended for up to 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of their previous convictions, they could face 10 years in prison with fines ranging from $2,000-$5,000 whilst having their license suspended for 6 years.
Implied Consent Law
Under Maine’s implied consent law drivers are needed 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 may result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted along with suspension of your respective driver’s license for 3 years even when he/she was found not guilty at trial due to insufficient evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can be used against someone during trial if she or he refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police force officers in regards to the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is essential so that you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble in case 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 while it drops down significantly just .02% for people who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can lead to additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty due to insufficient evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must adhere to such requests when asked by police 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 only can it be illegal but it might cost you dearly too!