OUI laws in Eliot, Maine are severe, and you can expect no help from law enforcement if you are stopped on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving.
Facing Operating Under the Influence (OUI) charges in Eliot, Maine demands a robust defense, as the consequences are severe. Law enforcement is unforgiving, and the distinction between a lasting criminal record and potential jail time hinges on the strength of your defense.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our steadfast OUI defense lawyers in Eliot bring tenacity and a deep understanding of Maine’s OUI laws. We navigate the complexities of the Eliot court system, offering a formidable defense to mitigate the serious repercussions of an OUI conviction.
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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Eliot is a large town in York County, Maine. Just north of Kittery, Eliot lies on the New Hampshire border, just across the Piscataqua River from Dover and Portsmouth.
Like many towns surrounding metropolitan areas, Eliot saw its population explode in the years following the Second World War, as more and more people moved into the suburbs and commuted to work in the nearby cities. The 2010 census found that there were 6,204 people living in Eliot.
As a suburb, it shouldn’t be surprising that statistics show that Eliot is one of the more affluent towns in the state of Maine. With a median household income of $66,737, Eliot is well above the state average of $46,974.
When a town has such a high income level, crime rates tend to be much lower, and Eliot is no exception.
In fact, the only thing surprising about Eliot’s crime statistics is just how low they are: Eliot is by far one of the safest communities in not only Maine, but the entire country, as well. Eliot even deploys one of the smaller police forces in Maine, with only 8 full time law enforcement officers on staff.
This made for only 1.12 officers per 1,000 residents in 2013, well below the state average of 1.69.
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:
Eliot 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 Eliot 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 Eliot 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.
119 Main St
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Phone: (207) 571-8146
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
Contact one of our experienced OUI defense attorneys in Kennebunk, Maine to help you avoid much of the aforementioned pain and headache that comes with getting arrested for drinking and driving.
515 Elm Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
Phone: (207) 283-6000
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
If you get arrested and charged with a crime, such as operating under the influence (OUI), in Eliot, then your case will be heard in the Biddeford District Court. Please see our page on this court for more details, such as unique aspects of the building and court procedures, as well as parking.
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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