Introduction:
Driving beneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is just a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws will help ensure that you remain safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an overview of things you need to learn about lawyers in portland maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to use 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 a lot lower—just .02%. Drivers that are found operating a car with either of the BAC levels will soon be faced with Driving Under 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 be determined by if it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they might face around 364 days in jail and fines ranging 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 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 can face 10 years in prison with fines ranging 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 as well as suspension of one’s driver’s license for 3 years even though he or she was found not guilty at trial because of not enough evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal may also 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 about 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 get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or maybe more for anyone 21 and over whilst it drops down significantly just .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even though one isn’t guilty due to insufficient evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must adhere to such requests when asked by police officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving based on implied consent laws in this state. As it pertains time getting behind the wheel remember not only is it illegal but it may cost you dearly too!