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Maine OUI Lawyers

Whether this is your first offense or you have prior OUI convictions, hiring an experienced Maine OUI lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. A skilled attorney will evaluate your circumstances, build a strong defense, and help you navigate the complexities of the Maine legal system.

Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is a serious offense in Maine, with strict penalties and legal repercussions. Whether you are facing an OUI charge for the first time or have prior offenses, understanding Maine OUI law is crucial to navigating the legal system effectively. A qualified Maine OUI lawyer can provide essential guidance, help minimize penalties, and protect your rights.

If you or a loved one is facing an OUI charge, call 1-888-839-4384 to speak with a top-rated OUI lawyer in Maine today! You can also fill out our online contact form anytime 24/7 to get in touch.

What Happens if You Get an OUI in Maine?

When charged with an OUI in Maine, the legal process begins immediately. A Maine OUI charge typically follows a traffic stop where law enforcement suspects impairment due to alcohol or drugs. If you fail a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, you will be arrested and taken into custody.

After the arrest, your driver’s license will be administratively suspended by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), separate from any criminal proceedings. You may also be required to post bail and attend a court hearing. A Maine OUI lawyer can represent you in court and explore potential defense strategies to challenge the charges.

OUI Lawyers in Maine

What Is the Difference Between a DUI and an OUI in Maine?

The terms OUI vs DUI in Maine are often confused, but they have distinct legal meanings. In Maine, the official legal term is Operating Under the Influence (OUI) rather than Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

The key difference between OUI and DUI in Maine is that OUI covers all motorized vehicles, including cars, boats, motorcycles, and ATVs, while DUI and DWI are typically used in other states and may refer only to alcohol impairment in a car. A person can be charged with OUI in Maine if their BAC is 0.08% or higher or if drugs impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Though the terminology differs, the consequences of an OUI charge in Maine are just as severe as those for a DUI in other states.

What Is the Penalty for OUI in Maine?

Maine OUI penalties are very strict, although they vary based on prior offenses and aggravating factors. The penalty for OUI depends on your blood alcohol content (BAC), whether minors were present in the vehicle, and if any accidents occurred as a result of impaired driving.

A brief overview of charges for your first or subsequent OUI include:

First Offense OUI

A first offense OUI in Maine has some of the least harsh penalties.

  • Fines up to $500
  • License suspension for 150 days
  • Possible jail time if aggravating factors exist

Second Offense OUI

Getting a second offense OUI in Maine increases the harshness of the penalties.

  • Minimum jail sentence of seven days
  • Fines up to $2,000
  • Three-year license suspension

Third Offense OUI (Felony OUI)

A third offense OUI in Maine escalates the penalties even further since a 3rd OUI is considered a felony OUI charge.

  • Minimum jail sentence of 30 days
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • Six-year license suspension

Aggravated OUI Penalties

Certain factors increase the severity of penalties, including:

  • BAC of 0.15% or higher
  • Driving 30 mph over the speed limit
  • Refusing a breathalyzer test
  • Having a minor under 21 in the vehicle

Understanding the penalty for OUI is essential to making informed legal decisions. If you are facing OUI charges, contacting a Maine OUI lawyer should be your top priority.

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Maine?

What Is The Penalty For OUI in Maine?

Maine implied consent laws mean that refusing a breathalyzer test results in automatic penalties:

  1. First Offense: 275-day license suspension
  2. Second Offense: Two-year license suspension
  3. Third Offense: Four-year license suspension

While refusing a breathalyzer may prevent immediate evidence against you, it can still be used as an indication of guilt in court.

What Is the Most Common Sentence for An OUI in Maine?

If convicted of an OUI in Maine for the first time, the most common sentence includes:

  • A mandatory license suspension of 150 days
  • A fine of at least $500
  • Potential jail time if aggravating factors exist
  • Enrollment in a substance abuse education program

While jail time is not always required for a first offense, it becomes more likely if your BAC is significantly above the legal limit or if you refused a breathalyzer test.

Can You Get Out of an OUI in Maine?

Fighting an OUI charge depends on the circumstances of your arrest and the strength of your legal defense. Common defenses against OUI charges in Maine include:

  • Challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer or field sobriety tests
  • Proving improper police procedure or lack of probable cause
  • Arguing that medical conditions affected test results

A criminal OUI in Maine may result in harsher penalties, especially if it involves aggravated OUI circumstances, such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, or causing injury. Additionally, is an OUI a felony in Maine? The answer depends on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the case. A third or subsequent OUI is classified as a felony.

Can You Get Out of An OUI in Maine?

How to Get Out of an OUI in Maine

One potential avenue for reducing charges is negotiating a plea bargain for an OUI. This involves pleading guilty to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, in exchange for reduced penalties. A Maine OUI lawyer can help assess whether a plea deal is a viable option based on the strength of the evidence against you.

How Much Does an OUI Lawyer in Maine Cost?

The cost of hiring a Maine OUI lawyer depends on factors such as experience and case complexity. Typical costs include:

  • Basic OUI Defense: $1,500 – $3,000
  • Complex OUI Case with Trial: $5,000 – $10,000+
  • Additional Expert Witness Fees: $500 – $3,000

While hiring a lawyer may seem expensive, it is a crucial investment in your future, as it can help reduce fines, avoid jail time, and prevent long-term consequences.

How Do I Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney in Maine?

If you have been charged with an OUI, contacting a Maine OUI lawyer should be your first step. When preparing for your consultation:

  1. Gather all documents related to your arrest.
  2. Write down details about your traffic stop.
  3. Be honest about your case so your attorney can build a solid OUI defense strategy.

Talk to a Maine OUI Lawyer Today!

A Maine OUI lawyer can provide the legal expertise needed to fight an OUI charge and minimize the impact on your life. If you are facing an OUI charge, act now! Consult with an experienced attorney to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Call 1-888-839-4384 today for a free consultation with some of the best OUI lawyers in Maine. You can also use our online contact form to get in touch anytime, day or night.

Talk to A Maine OUI Lawyer Today!

More Maine OUI Resources

If you’d like to learn more about Maine OUI laws or see how a Maine OUI lawyer can help you beat an OUI charge, read some of our informative articles below.

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