Introduction:
Driving beneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you should be convicted of a DUI, you could be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws might help make certain that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an overview of the thing you need to learn about maine oui laws.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it is illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to work a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years of age, the legal drinking limit is much lower—just .02%. Drivers which can be found operating a vehicle with either of those BAC levels will soon be charged with Driving Underneath 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 may result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The results for DUIs be determined by 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 their first offense, they could face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 along with having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. In regards to third-time offenders within 10 years of the 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 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 can lead to additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted along with suspension of your respective driver’s license for approximately 3 years even if he or she was found not guilty at trial due to not enough evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can be used against someone during trial if he or she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police officers about the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is important 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 higher for those 21 and over while it drops down significantly at only .02% for individuals who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty as a result of lack of evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must conform 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 just could it be illegal but it might run you dearly too!
