Offense: OUI .14
Maximum Sentence: 364 days jail, 6 year loss of license, $2,000.00 fine
Mandatory Minimum Sentence: $500 fine, 90 day loss of license
Synopsis: Client was on a date when the car ran out of gas. Client was not driving the vehicle while it was running but did “steer” the vehicle while her date pushed the car. The car was pushed downhill in an attempt to reach the gas station when she lost control of the vehicle, striking and knocking down 2 traffic signs. Law Enforcement officers arrived on scene and charged the Client with OUI based on here “admission” that the vehicle was running while she was steering it, despite the fact that she told the officer it was out of gas. The officer based his arrest decision on the fact the technical term of “running”, which the Client obviously didn’t understand.
Result: Case dismissed prior to request for a jury trial.