Introduction:
Driving underneath 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 sure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here is an breakdown of things you need to learn about maine dui laws.
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 of age, the legal drinking limit is much lower—just .02%. Drivers which are found operating a car with either of the BAC levels will undoubtedly be faced with Driving Underneath 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’s 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 will also be suspended for up to 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 as well as having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. When it comes 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 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 result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted in addition to suspension of one’s driver’s license for approximately 3 years even though he/she was found not guilty at trial because of insufficient evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal may 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 essential so you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble should you ever get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or older for those 21 and over although it drops down significantly at just .02% for individuals who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests may lead to additional penalties even when one isn’t guilty because of 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 according to implied consent laws in this state. In regards time getting behind the wheel remember not merely could it be illegal but it might set you back dearly too!