Being charged with a third OUI in Maine is a serious legal matter that carries severe penalties. Under Maine OUI laws, a third offense is classified as a felony, with significant consequences, including mandatory jail time, long-term license suspension, and hefty fines. If you are facing a third OUI charge, securing an experienced Maine OUI lawyer is critical to navigating the legal process and mitigating the penalties you may face.
If you’re facing a third offense OUI in Maine, call 1-888-839-4384 today to speak with a top-rated Maine OUI lawyer near you! You can also use our online contact form to get in touch anytime, day or night.
What Happens if You Get Three OUIs in Maine?
A third OUI in Maine is classified as a Class C felony. This is a significant escalation from a first or second offense, which are typically misdemeanors. A third offense means increased legal consequences, including:
- Minimum of six months in jail (with no option for a suspended sentence)
- Fines of at least $1,100
- License suspension of six years
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) after reinstatement eligibility
- Participation in substance abuse treatment programs
Given the severity of these penalties, having a knowledgeable OUI defense attorney can be crucial in exploring legal defenses and plea options.
Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a Third OUI in Maine?
Yes, under Maine OUI laws, your license is administratively suspended immediately upon arrest for a 3rd OUI in Maine. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) enforces this suspension independently of the court system. You have the right to request an administrative hearing within ten days of receiving the suspension notice to contest it. However, even if you challenge the suspension, you may still face a longer-term revocation if convicted in court.
How Long Do You Lose Your License in Maine for a 3rd OUI?
For a 3rd OUI in Maine, the standard license suspension period is six years. This penalty is imposed separately from any administrative suspension by the BMV. Additionally, after the suspension period, reinstatement may require participation in an alcohol education or treatment program and installing an ignition interlock device (IID) to regain limited driving privileges.
How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Third OUI in Maine?
According to Maine OUI penalties, a third offense carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence. Unlike a first offense OUI in Maine, where some jail time may be suspended or reduced, a third OUI requires full completion of the sentence. In cases with aggravating factors, the court may impose an even longer sentence. This highlights the importance of a strong legal defense strategy.
What is an Aggravated OUI in Maine?
In Maine, an Aggravated OUI involves additional factors that enhance the severity of the charge. While a third offense OUI itself is already a felony, aggravating circumstances can further increase penalties. Aggravating factors include:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher
- Excessive speeding (30 mph or more over the limit)
- Having a minor under the age of 21 in the vehicle
- Causing bodily injury or death
A charge of Aggravated OUI typically leads to longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspension periods.
How Serious is a Third OUI in Maine?
A third OUI in Maine is a Class C felony, which has long-term consequences beyond just jail time and fines. Key concerns include:
- Criminal Record: Unlike a misdemeanor, a felony conviction remains on your record permanently, affecting employment opportunities, housing applications, and professional licenses.
- Criminal OUI vs. OUI: While all OUIs are criminal offenses, a third OUI being classified as a felony has far more significant repercussions than a misdemeanor first or second offense OUI in Maine.
- Firearm and Voting Rights: Convicted felons in Maine may lose the right to own firearms and, in some cases, may experience restrictions on voting rights.
- Insurance Consequences: A third OUI conviction results in drastically increased insurance rates or even policy cancellations.
If you are asking, “Is a third OUI a felony in Maine?”—the answer is unequivocally yes. This will only escalate if someone were to continue adding to their history by getting a fourth OUI in Maine.
How to Get Out of a Third Offense OUI in Maine
While a third offense OUI in Maine is a serious charge, there may be legal defenses available depending on the specifics of your case. Possible defense strategies include:
- Challenging the traffic stop: If the stop was unlawful or lacked reasonable suspicion, evidence could be suppressed.
- Questioning breathalyzer accuracy: Faulty breathalyzer results due to improper calibration or medical conditions could invalidate BAC readings.
- Disputing field sobriety tests: Poor testing conditions or officer errors may make these tests unreliable.
- Negotiating plea deals: In some cases, a skilled Maine OUI lawyer may be able to reduce the charge or minimize penalties through negotiations.
Get Help Beating A Third OUI in Maine Today!
A third OUI in Maine comes with severe consequences, including mandatory jail time, significant fines, and long-term license suspension. If you are facing a third OUI charge, you must act quickly to protect your rights.
An experienced Maine OUI lawyer can evaluate your case, explore potential defenses, and advocate for the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a third OUI charge, don’t hesitate! Contact a qualified OUI defense attorney today to discuss your legal options by calling 1-888-839-4384 now.
More Maine OUI Defense Resources
If you’d like to learn more about Maine OUI laws and see how Drunk Driving Defense can help you beat an OUI charge, read some of our informative articles below.