Introduction:
Driving beneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is really a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you should be 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 might help ensure 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’s illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to work a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) amount of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal drinking limit is significantly lower—just .02%. Drivers that are found operating a car with either of those BAC levels is going to be charged with Driving Beneath the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by law enforcement 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 rely on whether it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they may face as much as 364 days in jail and fines which range 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 can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 in addition to having their license suspended for 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of their previous convictions, they are able to 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 required by law to submit to chemical tests when asked by law enforcement 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 as well as suspension of one’s driver’s license for approximately 3 years even when he or she was found not guilty at trial because of insufficient evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can also be used against someone during trial if she or he refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police officers concerning the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is vital so 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 more for anyone 21 and over while it drops down significantly at only .02% for individuals who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can lead to additional penalties even though one isn’t guilty because of lack of evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must comply with such requests when asked by police officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving based on implied consent laws in this state. In regards time getting behind the wheel remember not just is it illegal but it might set you back dearly too!