Introduction:
Driving beneath the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is really a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you should be convicted of a DUI, you may 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 the thing you need to understand about criminal speeding maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it is 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 can be found operating a car with either of those BAC levels is going to 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 can result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The results for DUIs rely on whether it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they might face around 364 days in jail and fines including $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license is likewise suspended for 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of these first offense, they can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 as well as having their license suspended for 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of their previous convictions, they can face 10 years in prison with fines ranging 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 may result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted along with suspension of one’s driver’s license for 3 years even when he or she 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/she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by law enforcement 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 maybe more for those 21 and over although it drops down significantly just .02% for those who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can lead to additional penalties even if one isn’t guilty due to not enough evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must adhere to 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 could it be illegal but it might cost you dearly too!