Lewiston, ME OUI Lawyer For A First OUI in Lewiston

If you’ve recently been arrested for your first OUI in Lewiston, Maine, you’re probably overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and questions about what happens next. For many people, this is their first encounter with the criminal justice system, and the uncertainty can be paralyzing. But take a breath—you’re not alone, and you do have options.

As a Lewiston OUI lawyer with years of experience defending first-time offenders, I understand how intimidating this process can be. The good news is that a first OUI offense, while serious, is also something you can navigate with the right support. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and start moving forward with your life.

If you’ve been arrested for an OUI in Lewiston and aren’t sure what to do next, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with an OUI attorney near you!

What Happens After a First OUI Arrest in Lewiston?

After you’re arrested for a first OUI in Lewiston, you’ll face both criminal charges and an administrative license suspension through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You may have had your driver’s license seized on the spot and been issued a temporary permit. You’ll also receive a court date for your arraignment, where you’ll need to enter a plea.

Many people mistakenly assume that a first-time offense won’t carry significant consequences—but that’s simply not true. Under Maine law, even a first OUI conviction in Maine can result in the following mandatory minimum penalties:

• Mandatory 150-day license suspension
• Fines starting at $500 
• Mandatory participation in a DEEP (Driver Education and Evaluation Program)
• Potential jail time if aggravating factors are present (such as a blood alcohol content over 0.15%, excessive speeding, or having a passenger under 21 years of age)

To view the official penalties outlined in Maine statutes, visit the Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, §2411.

The Importance of Legal Representation

A first OUI in Lewiston is not something to take lightly. While it may be your first brush with the law, the penalties for OUI are steep and can have lasting effects on your driving record, insurance premiums, and even job opportunities—especially if your work requires driving.

That’s why contacting a qualified Lewiston OUI lawyer should be your top priority. A local attorney knows how the Lewiston District Court handles these cases and may already have working relationships with prosecutors and judges. This insight can be critical in negotiating favorable outcomes, whether that means reduced penalties, alternative sentencing, or even a case dismissal when the evidence is weak.

How a Lewiston OUI Lawyer Can Help You

When you hire a Lewiston OUI lawyer, you’re not just hiring someone to speak in court on your behalf. You’re securing a legal advocate who will:

1. Review all the evidence against you, including police reports, dashcam footage, and chemical test results
2. Identify any constitutional violations or procedural errors (e.g., lack of probable cause or unlawful arrest)
3. Represent you during your arraignment and pretrial hearings
4. Negotiate for a reduced charge or alternative sentencing such as a deferred disposition
5. Help you fight to restore your license or obtain a restricted hardship license

The sooner you involve a lawyer in your case, the better. Some drunk driving defenses, such as challenging the validity of the breathalyzer test, can be time-sensitive.

In some cases, your attorney can file a motion to suppress evidence or get the case dismissed entirely if law enforcement failed to follow proper procedures.

Implied Consent and Breath Test Refusals in Maine

Under Maine’s Implied Consent Law, drivers are legally required to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine test) if lawfully arrested for OUI. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test can result in automatic license suspension, even before your criminal case is resolved.

For a first refusal, you face:

• A 275-day license suspension (longer than a first OUI conviction)
• The refusal being used against you in court as evidence of guilt
• Loss of eligibility for certain alternative sentencing options

If you refused a test during your first OUI in Lewiston, your case becomes more complicated, and it’s even more critical to consult with a Lewiston OUI lawyer immediately.

What You Should Do After a First OUI Arrest in Lewiston

Here are the essential steps to take immediately after being arrested for an OUI charge in Lewiston:

1. Write down everything you remember. The timing of events, what the officer said, whether you were read your rights—details matter in OUI defense.
2. Do not discuss your case with anyone but your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
3. Contact a Lewiston OUI lawyer immediately. Your legal team can help you request a BMV hearing within the 10-day window and start building your defense.
4. Show up for all court dates. Failing to appear can lead to a bench warrant and additional legal problems.
5. Enroll in the DEEP program early. This may be required for license reinstatement and can also demonstrate your willingness to cooperate and take responsibility.

You’re Not Alone—Get Help from a Lewiston OUI Lawyer Today

If you’ve been arrested for your first OUI in Lewiston, don’t let fear or confusion prevent you from taking action. With the right legal representation, many first-time offenders can avoid jail time, reduce their license suspension period, and keep the charge off their permanent record.

As a local criminal defense attorney in Lewiston, I’ve helped people just like you get through this difficult time with their rights intact and their future preserved. Let me help you do the same.

Call 1-888-839-4384 today for a confidential and free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.