Introduction:
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is 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 your 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 summary of what you need to know about criminal speeding maine.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it is illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to use 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 significantly lower—just .02%. Drivers that are found operating an automobile with either of those BAC levels is going to be charged with Driving Under 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 can lead to additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The consequences for DUIs rely on whether it is your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face as much as 364 days in jail and fines ranging from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license will also be 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 along with having their license suspended for approximately 2 years. As it pertains to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they are able to 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 required 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 can result in additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted in addition to suspension of your respective driver’s license for 3 years even though she or he was found not guilty at trial due to not enough 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 law enforcement officers about the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is vital so that 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 maybe more for those 21 and over whilst it drops down significantly just .02% for folks who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even when 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 officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving based on implied consent laws in this state. In regards time getting behind the wheel remember not merely can it be illegal but it may cost you dearly too!