Assessing the Danger of a Criminal Speeding Conviction in Maine
Introduction:
Driving underneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is just a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you’re convicted of a DUI, you might 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 stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Listed here is an overview of what you need to learn about portland maine criminal defense lawyers.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years old and over to use 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 much lower—just .02%. Drivers which can be found operating a vehicle with either of these BAC levels is going to be faced with Driving Underneath 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 can lead to additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The results for DUIs depend on if it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they may face up to 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license may also be suspended for up to 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of their first offense, they can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 as well as having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. When it comes to third-time offenders within 10 years of these previous convictions, they could face 10 years in prison with fines including $2,000-$5,000 whilst 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 lead to additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted in addition to suspension of your respective driver’s license for up to 3 years even if she or he 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 higher for anyone 21 and over although it drops down significantly at just .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty due to insufficient evidence obtained through testing results which helps explain why one must comply with such requests when asked by police force 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 can it be illegal but it may run you dearly too!
