Introduction:
Driving beneath 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 could be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s 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. Listed here is an overview of what you need to learn about maine oui laws.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to operate 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 are found operating an automobile with either of these BAC levels will soon be charged 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 result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The consequences for DUIs rely on whether or not it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face around 364 days in jail and fines ranging 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 are able to face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 along with having their license suspended for 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 which range 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 as well as suspension of your respective driver’s license for up to 3 years even when she or he 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 he or she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police force officers concerning 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 should 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 whilst it drops down significantly at just .02% for people who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even when one isn’t guilty due to not enough evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must comply with such requests when asked by police force officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving in accordance with implied consent laws in this state. When it comes time getting behind the wheel remember not only can it be illegal but it may set you back dearly too!