OUI laws in Bethel, Maine are severe and you can expect no help from law enforcement if you are stopped on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
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Bethel, Maine is a town in Oxford County, near the western border of the state and located on Route 2, about midway between the coast and Canada. The town had a population of 2,607 during the 2010 census. The area is known for its ski resort and the secluded, historic charm that makes it a quintessential New England town.
As a town in inland Maine, Bethel’s median household income is misleadingly low, due to the lower costs of living away from the tourism of the coast and the bustle of the state’s cities. As a result, while the state’s median household income – a good indication of the affluence of the area’s citizens – is $46,974, Bethel’s is a mere $39,866.
The area’s crime rates are in line with what one can expect in inland Maine: Exceptionally low. Violent crimes are very rare, and property crimes are far below the national average, even when the area went through a sudden crime spike in 2008 and 2009. This is despite the fact that Bethel has maintained a small police force for the state, keeping only 1.12 full-time law enforcement officers per 1,000 residents in 2009, far below the state average of 1.71 that year.
Under Maine OUI laws, you are not allowed to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicant. Most drivers know this and many also understand that the legal limit is .08 percent Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
In Maine, you can be arrested and charged with an OUI even if you are within the legal limit. If a law enforcement officer suspects you of operating a vehicle in an impaired way, you will be arrested and asked to submit to certain tests.
Review the potential penalties for operating under the influence charges in Maine.
| No. of Offense (Last 10 Years) | License Suspension | Jail Time | Minimum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | 150 Days | 0 – 96 Hours | $500 |
| 2nd Offense | 3 Years | 7 Days | $700 |
| 3rd Offense | 6 Years | 30 Days | $1,100 |
| 4th Offense | 8 Years | 6 Months | $2,100 |
A “first offense” means that you do not have any prior OUI convictions in any state within the preceding 10 years.
Maine imposes the following set of mandatory minimum criminal penalties for a first offense OUI conviction:
Bethel judges frequently exceed these minimum penalties and hand down harsher punishments. It’s important to bear in mind that even for a first conviction, Maine OUI laws allow for a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.
Penalties for second and subsequent OUI offenses carry harsher minimum and maximum penalties.
The BMV in Bethel doesn’t wait for a conviction before suspending your driver’s license.
If you fail a breathalyzer test with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, the BMV will suspend your driver’s license. This is an automatic suspension unless you contest it by requesting an administrative hearing (in writing) within 10 days of the notice of suspension date.
An OUI lawyer from The Maine Criminal Defense Group can file for and represent you at the hearing, which can be especially beneficial if you live out of state or are busy working.
If you are unsuccessful at your BMV hearing and are later convicted in court, any criminal driving suspension runs concurrently with the BMV one. You serve the suspension only once.
Read More → Refusing a Breathalyzer or Chemical Test when Pulled Over for an OUI in Maine
For a second OUI offense in Maine, it’s considered a Class D crime with potential penalties. The maximum jail term is 364 days, and fines can reach up to $2,000. Mandatory minimum penalties include:
If you refused a chemical test, the penalties become more severe:
To learn more about the penalties for subsequent OUI charges in Maine, please review our comprehensive guide or contact us directly.
For drivers under the age of 21 (the legal drinking limit in Maine), Zero Tolerance laws apply for OUI.
Your license will be suspended by the BMV for any amount of alcohol and, for a first-time OUI, you will face the following criminal penalties:
Read More → Underage OUI Charges in Maine
You are breaking the law if you refuse a breath, blood or urine test if you are suspected of OUI in Bethel and requested to submit a chemical sample.
This is known as the “implied consent” law, meaning that drivers in Maine must submit to a BAC test or breathalyzer when requested by a qualified law enforcement officer. Refusal will lead to an automatic suspension of your driving privileges for 275 days.
For drivers under the age of 21, a refusal means an automatic suspension of driving privileges for 18 months.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
205 Newbury Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 822-4200
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
Contact one of our experienced OUI defense attorneys in Portland, Maine to help you avoid much of the aforementioned pain and headache that comes with getting arrested for drinking and driving.
145 Congress Street
Rumford, ME 04276
Phone: (207) 364-7171
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
If you get arrested and charged for operating under the influence (OUI) or for any other crime while in Bethel, your case will go before the Maine District Court in Rumford, Maine. This court is located at 145 Congress St. in Rumford, Maine, between the town’s fire department and post office. The building is a stately four stories and made of brick with white trim. The main entrance faces Congress St. between a pair of flanking columns.
You can find driving directions on Google Maps, or on the court’s website. Bear in mind, though, that the section of Congress St. that lies directly in front of the courthouse is a one way street.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Facing the potential repercussions of an OUI conviction, including jail time and fines, underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney guide you through every phase of the investigation.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group specializes in offering advice on the intricate facets of the OUI court process in Maine, emphasizing the pivotal question of whether the prosecutor can establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Follow along as we navigate the OUI court process, unraveling each step to gain an understanding of how everything unfolds.
Contact our office to speak with
one of our team members who will set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Great group of people. Managed to get me a favorable outcome from a very bad situation. I would highly recommend this firm if you have legal troubles. Top notch performance!!
So thankful I chose this team to represent me. They’re the best, hands down. Nathan Hitchcock proved my innocence not once but TWICE, including a trial by jury. I have a family in law enforcement who told me “Bill Bly and his team are the best. If I would recommend anyone, it would be them.”
If you are facing criminal charges in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
"Bill Bly did an excellent job of listening and addressing our concerns. He answered all of our questions in a timely manner and got results. I highly recommend his services!"
— John H.
In-office consultations are done by appointment only. Contact us today to schedule yours.
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