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Maine Drunk Driving

While the Pine Tree State is known to many as Vacation Land because of its beautiful scenery, it can feel anything like a vacation if you have been charged with a OUI in this state. Operating Under the Influence or OUI is a serious charge in Maine – and with it comes serious penalties.

Even if it’s your first conviction, you can still receive jail time for a OUI conviction. Your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked and you will face expensive court costs, impoundment fees and fines. The judge may also you order you to complete a specific amount of time for community service and put you on probation. It is also possible that an ignition interlock device will be installed in your car at your expense. This device won’t start until you blow into the machine with no alcohol on your breath. Your vehicle may be impounded temporarily or permanently and you may have to enroll in driving school or take an alcohol education course.

Administrative License Penalties
Separate from your criminal court case, you will have to face the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You only have 10 days from the date of your OUI arrest to request a hearing the BMV, otherwise you will automatically lose your license for 90 days if you’re a first-time offender.

Maine’s BAC Level
BAC is your blood alcohol content – and if you’re driving in Maine, it cannot exceed .08%. This is considered a “per se” violation and you can be convicted on this evidence alone. To determine your BAC, you submit to a chemical test: blood, breath or urine. While you do not legally have to take a chemical test, you should know the penalties can be severe for refusal due to the state’s Implied Consent law.

Field Sobriety Tests
Police officers in Maine use the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the One Leg Stand and the Walk and Turn test as a means to “back up” their claim of drinking and driving. These three tests check for involuntary eye jerking, balance and coordination.

Zero Tolerance
Any driver under 21 found with any level of alcohol in their system while driving will lose their license for 1 year. If you refuse to take a chemical test, you will lose your license for 18 months.

If you’ve been charged with a OUI in Maine, act fast! Find a qualified OUI lawyer who will defend you.

 

 


 

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Maine Drunk Driving Laws