Charges: Criminal Speed (107mph)
Maximum Penalty: 6 months jail; $1,000.00 fine; license suspension
Summary: Client was initially clocked by the Maine State Police at 95mph. However, while in pursuit, client accelerated to 107mph. Client was subsequently arrested and charged with Criminal Speed.
Result: DA agreed to dismiss the case after 12 months pending completion of a defensive driver’s course. In Maine, judges are routinely ordering a minimum of 72 hours jail in cases where people break the 100mph speed barrier. In this case, the DA was sympathetic to my client who had recently suffered from a severe head injury and was unaware of his/her speed. Client had also been driving for nearly 20 straight hours and was extremely fatigued. While not an excuse for the driving behavior, it was enough to establish a starting point for conversation that ultimately would lead to a dismissal.
