Maine OUI penalties carry severe penalties that escalate with repeat offenses, as dictated by Maine OUI laws. Whether it’s a first-time OUI or a fourth offense, an OUI conviction can lead to license suspension, hefty fines, mandatory jail time, and long-term consequences on your driving record and insurance rates. Additionally, an Aggravated OUI can result in even harsher punishments.
Understanding the Maine OUI penalties and how they apply to your case is crucial. If you’re facing an OUI charge, hiring an experienced Maine OUI lawyer can help you fight the charges, avoid the harshest penalties, and even get your case dismissed in certain situations.
If you’re facing OUI penalties in Maine, call 1-888-839-4384 today to get connected with expert legal guidance near you!
First OUI in Maine (Misdemeanor)
A first-time OUI conviction in Maine is classified as a Class D misdemeanor. While it does not carry mandatory jail time in most cases, the penalties are still serious and can affect your daily life significantly.
Penalties for a First OUI in Maine
The penalties for a first OUI in Maine may include (but are not limited to):
- Fines: Minimum fine of $500
- License Suspension: 150-day suspension (approximately five months)
- Jail Time: No mandatory jail sentence, but up to 364 days is possible
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): May be required for early license reinstatement
- Driver’s Education Program: You may need to complete an alcohol education program
Aggravating Factors for a First OUI
Certain aggravating factors will increase the penalties for a first-time OUI:
- BAC of 0.15% or higher: Mandatory 48 hours in jail
- Speeding 30+ mph over the limit: Mandatory 48 hours in jail
- Passenger under 21 in the vehicle: Mandatory 275-day license suspension
- Refusing a Breathalyzer Test: Mandatory 275-day license suspension
Can You Get a First OUI in Maine Dismissed?
Maine offers a deferred disposition program for some first-time offenders, which can lead to a dismissal of the OUI charge upon completion of probation-like conditions. An experienced Maine OUI lawyer can help you qualify for this program.
Second OUI in Maine (Misdemeanor)
A 2nd OUI within 10 years of the first offense is still a Class D misdemeanor, but the penalties are significantly harsher.
Penalties for a Second OUI in Maine
The penalties for a second OUI in Maine are harsher than the first and may include:
- Fines: Minimum fine of $700
- License Suspension: 3 years
- Jail Time: Mandatory 7 days in jail (up to 364 days)
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for license reinstatement
- Alcohol Treatment Program: Mandatory participation in a state-approved program
Aggravating Factors for a Second OUI
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.15% or higher: Increased jail time
- Passenger under 21 in the vehicle: Increased suspension and fines
- Refusing a Breathalyzer Test: Mandatory 3-year suspension
A second offense OUI often results in higher insurance rates and potential employment consequences, especially for commercial drivers.
Third OUI in Maine (Felony)
A 3rd OUI in Maine within 10 years is a Class C felony, which means significant jail time, a multi-year driver’s license suspension, and other severe penalties.
Penalties for a Third OUI in Maine
The third OUI in Maine is where the OUI penalties begin to escalate quite significantly. Third OUI penalties in Maine can include:
- Fines: Minimum fine of $1,100
- License Suspension: 6 years
- Jail Time: Mandatory 30 days in jail (up to 5 years)
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for reinstatement
- Felony Conviction: A felony OUI stays on your permanent record and can impact job prospects, housing, and firearm rights.
Additional Consequences of a Third OUI
- Mandatory participation in substance abuse treatment
- Vehicle forfeiture in some cases
A third OUI is a life-altering conviction, making it even more critical to hire an experienced Maine OUI lawyer to fight the charges.
Fourth OUI in Maine (Felony)
A fourth OUI within 10 years is also a Class C felony, but the penalties are even more extreme.
Penalties for a Fourth OUI in Maine
The penalties for a fourth OUI in Maine can include:
- Fines: Minimum fine of $2,100
- License Suspension: 8 years
- Jail Time: Mandatory 6 months (180 days) in jail (up to 5 years)
- Permanent Criminal Record: A felony conviction that remains on your record indefinitely
- Mandatory Alcohol Treatment Program: Required before potential reinstatement
In some cases, habitual OUI offenders may permanently lose their ability to drive in Maine.
Aggravated OUI in Maine
An Aggravated OUI occurs when an OUI offense involves particularly dangerous behavior.
What Qualifies as an Aggravated OUI in Maine?
- Causing serious bodily injury or death while OUI
- Driving with a BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Driving 30+ mph over the speed limit while OUI
- Refusing a breath test with prior OUI convictions
- Driving drunk with a passenger under 21 years old
Penalties for an Aggravated OUI in Maine
- Class B or Class C felony charges
- Up to 10 years in prison for cases involving serious injury
- License suspensions of up to 10 years
- Massive fines of up to $20,000
- Possible vehicle forfeiture
An Aggravated OUI conviction carries some of the harshest penalties in Maine. If charged, securing legal representation is essential.
How a Maine OUI Lawyer Can Help You Avoid The Worst OUI Penalties
Facing an OUI charge in Maine doesn’t mean an automatic conviction. A skilled OUI lawyer can help challenge the evidence and build a strong defense.
Possible Defenses Against an OUI Charge
- Challenging the Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzers are not always accurate and can be improperly calibrated.
- Illegal Traffic Stop: If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion, the case could be dismissed.
- Field Sobriety Test Issues: Many factors, like medical conditions or road conditions, can lead to false failures.
- Violation of Your Rights: If the officer failed to read your Miranda rights, some evidence might be inadmissible.
- Blood Alcohol Rising Defense: If you drank shortly before driving, your BAC could have risen after you were pulled over.
Why Hiring an OUI Lawyer is Critical
- Negotiating lesser charges or alternative sentencing
- Avoiding mandatory jail time through plea deals or diversion programs
- Challenging police errors or procedural mistakes
- Helping reinstate your driver’s license as quickly as possible
Get Legal Help To Avoid Maine OUI Penalties Today!
Maine has some of the strictest OUI penalties in the country. From first-time offenses to felony OUIs, each conviction comes with steeper fines, longer jail sentences, and harsher license suspensions.
If you’re facing an OUI charge in Maine, hiring a Maine OUI lawyer is your best chance at avoiding conviction, reducing penalties, or even getting the charges dismissed. A legal expert can examine the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and help you move forward without devastating consequences.
If you’ve been arrested for an OUI in Maine, call 1-888-839-4384 or fill out our online contact form to consult with an experienced OUI lawyer immediately to protect your rights and your future.
More Info About OUI Penalties in Maine
If you’d like to learn more about OUI penalties in Maine, read some of our informative articles below. We explore Maine OUI penalties as well as how getting expert legal guidance can help you avoid the worst OUI penalties in Maine.