Westbrook, ME OUI Lawyer

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with your first OUI in Westbrook, Maine, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to do next. That’s completely normal. The legal process can be intimidating, especially if this is your first time encountering the criminal justice system. You may be wondering if you’ll lose your license, face jail time, or have a permanent criminal record.

As a seasoned Westbrook OUI lawyer, I’ve helped many people in your exact position. Let me walk you through what to expect, what steps to take, and how to protect your future. With the right legal guidance, this doesn’t have to define your life.

As soon as possible after getting an OUI charge, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with an experienced OUI defense attorney in Waterville!

Understanding OUI Laws in Maine

OUI stands for Operating Under the Influence, which is how Maine classifies drunk and drug-impaired driving. A first offense is usually charged as a misdemeanor under 29-A M.R.S. § 2411, but that doesn’t mean the consequences aren’t serious. While every case is different, the state imposes mandatory minimum penalties even for first-time offenders.

For a first offense, some of the OUI penalties include:

• Minimum 150-day license suspension, with no option for a work-restricted license during the first 30 days
• Mandatory minimum $500 fine (excluding court fees and surcharges)
• Mandatory enrollment in the Driver Education and Evaluation Program (DEEP), required for driver’s license reinstatement
• Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) upon reinstatement of driving privileges
• Up to 364 days jail sentence, though jail time is generally imposed only if aggravating factors are present

Even a first-time OUI offense can carry long-term consequences; affecting your job, insurance rates, and reputation. That’s why it’s critical to act fast.

Aggravating Factors That Can Increase Penalties

Certain factors can elevate the severity of your sentence, even for a first OUI in Westbrook:

• Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher
• Excessive speeding (30+ mph over the limit)
• Attempting to evade law enforcement
• Refusing to submit to chemical testing
• Having a passenger under 21 years of age in the vehicle

If any of these apply, you could be subject to a mandatory minimum 48 hours in jail and higher fines.

Navigating these penalties alone is risky. A qualified Westbrook OUI lawyer can assess your case, identify potential defenses, and help minimize the impact these penalties may have on your life and livelihood.

What Happens After an OUI Arrest in Westbrook

After being arrested for OUI in Westbrook, you’ll likely be taken to the Westbrook Police Department for booking and then released on bail or personal recognizance. Shortly afterward, you will receive a court summons, typically for an arraignment at the Portland District Court.

This is located in the Cumberland County Courthouse, located at: 205 Newbury Street, Portland, ME 04101

Even though the arrest occurred in Westbrook, your OUI case will be prosecuted in this Portland courthouse, which serves as the judicial hub for most of Cumberland County.

Your arraignment is where you’ll formally hear the charges against you and enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, your case will proceed to pre-trial conferences, motions, and potentially trial.

Why You Need a Westbrook OUI Lawyer Immediately

Navigating the legal system without experienced representation is risky. Maine’s OUI laws are complex, and prosecutors are aggressive, even for first offense OUIs. Hiring a knowledgeable Westbrook OUI lawyer gives you a critical advantage.

Here’s how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help:

• Review the evidence against you, including breath or blood test results, officer observations, and field sobriety tests.
• Challenge procedural errors such as unlawful stops, flawed breath testing, or violations of your constitutional rights.
• Negotiate with the District Attorney for a reduced charge, deferred disposition, or favorable plea bargain.
• Represent you in court, filing motions and presenting a strong defense aimed at minimizing or eliminating penalties.

Many first-time OUI cases are defensible, especially with a local attorney who understands the practices of the Cumberland County court system and Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

 

Immediate Steps to Take After a First OUI in Westbrook

Every day counts after an OUI arrest. Here’s what you should do now to preserve your rights and strengthen your defense:

1. Consult a Westbrook OUI attorney right away. The sooner you secure representation, the more time your attorney will have to investigate and develop your defense.
2. Request a BMV administrative hearing. In Maine, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to contest your driver’s license suspension. Missing this deadline could result in an automatic 150-day suspension.
3. Avoid making any statements. Do not speak to law enforcement or the prosecution without your lawyer present. Anything you say could be used against you in court.
4. Document everything. Write down everything you remember about the arrest, including where you were stopped, what you drank, what the officer said, and how you performed during any field sobriety tests.

Talk To A Westbrook OUI Lawyer Today!

Being arrested for drunk driving in Westbrook is undeniably stressful, but it doesn’t mean your life is over. You have legal rights, and you have options.

As a highly skilled criminal defense attorney in Westbrook, I’m here to provide legal advice and stand by your side and help you move forward. From your arraignment at the Cumberland County Unified Criminal Court to negotiating with the prosecution and, if needed, defending you at trial—I’ll be your advocate every step of the way.

Let’s talk now. The sooner we start, the more options we’ll have to protect your future, your driver’s license, and your record.

Call 1-888-839-4384 for a confidential, free consultation so that me and my OUI law firm can get to work building your legal defense and protect your rights!