OUI laws in Kennebunk, Maine, are strict, and law enforcement aggressively pursues impaired driving charges, making experienced legal defense essential.
If you’ve been arrested for an OUI (Operating Under the Influence) or DUI in Kennebunk, Maine, you’re likely facing serious penalties—license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time. Local prosecutors take these cases seriously, and so should you.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Kennebunk-based OUI defense attorneys have a proven track record of protecting clients charged with drunk or drugged driving offenses across southern Maine. We understand Maine’s complex OUI laws and know how to challenge flawed sobriety tests, questionable stops, and unreliable chemical evidence. Whether you were pulled over somewhere in York County or charged after a local DUI checkpoint, we’re here to fight for your rights and protect your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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Maine enforces tough penalties for OUI/DUI offenses—even for first-time offenders. While many drivers associate a conviction with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, the reality is that you can be charged with OUI in Kennebunk if law enforcement believes your driving ability was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination—even if your BAC is below the legal limit.
A conviction for OUI in Maine can lead to:
If your case involves aggravating factors—such as driving 30+ mph over the speed limit, having a BAC over 0.15%, refusing a chemical test, or driving with a minor under 21 in the vehicle—the penalties increase significantly.
Every case is unique, and the stakes are high. A knowledgeable Kennebunk OUI defense attorney can help you understand the charges and work to reduce or avoid these life-altering consequences.
| 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 |
In Maine, a first-time OUI conviction carries serious legal consequences that can impact your future. A “first offense” means you have no prior OUI convictions within the last 10 years, but that doesn’t mean the penalties are minor.
For a first OUI conviction in Kennebunk, you face:
While these are the minimum penalties, Kennebunk judges often impose stricter sentences, and Maine law allows for a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail for a first offense.
Subsequent OUI convictions come with even harsher penalties, making it critical to fight your first charge with the help of an experienced OUI defense attorney.
A second OUI conviction in Maine carries significantly harsher penalties than a first offense. Classified as a Class D crime, a second OUI comes with serious legal and financial consequences that can impact your ability to drive, work, and maintain a clean record.
The maximum penalties for a second OUI include:
However, Maine law also enforces strict mandatory minimum penalties:
If you refuse a breath or blood test, the penalties become even more severe:
With increased jail time, steep fines, and long-term license suspension, a second OUI conviction can have lasting consequences. Protect your rights by speaking with an experienced Kennebunk OUI lawyer at The Maine Criminal Defense Group today.
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:
Maine’s implied consent law requires all drivers to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects operating under the influence (OUI). Refusing a chemical test is a violation of this law and results in automatic license suspension, even if you are not ultimately convicted of OUI.
If you refuse to take a breath or blood test in Kennebunk, you face:
These penalties apply on top of any other consequences you may face if convicted of OUI. A refusal can also be used as evidence against you in court, making it critical to have an experienced Kennebunk OUI lawyer defending your case.
If you have refused a chemical test or are facing OUI charges, contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today for legal guidance.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
Contact one of our experienced OUI/DUI 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 for operating under the influence (OUI) in Kennebunk, your case will be heard before the court in Biddeford. For details on the location of the court, parking, and unique aspects of the court, please see our page on the Biddeford District Court.
If you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Kennebunk, Maine, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal process ahead. The consequences of an OUI conviction—jail time, hefty fines, and a suspended driver’s license—can be severe. However, being charged does not mean you are automatically guilty. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired or over the legal limit, and an experienced Kennebunk OUI defense lawyer can challenge their case at every stage.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we guide clients through the OUI court process in Kennebunk, ensuring they understand their legal options and building the strongest possible defense.
The first step in the OUI legal process is arraignment, which typically occurs within a few weeks of your arrest. During this court appearance:
Pleading not guilty allows your defense lawyer to challenge the evidence and negotiate for a potential dismissal or reduced charge.
Approximately six weeks after the arraignment, a dispositional conference is held. This meeting includes:
A strong defense strategy can increase the chances of securing a favorable plea deal or even a dismissal before trial.
Following the dispositional conference, your defense lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or request additional discovery. This process includes:
Motion hearings usually occur around two weeks after the dispositional conference and can significantly impact the strength of the prosecution’s case.
If key evidence is thrown out, the prosecution’s case may become weak or unprosecutable, leading to a potential dismissal.
If your case is not resolved through negotiations or a plea deal, it moves to trial. Before the trial begins:
A fair and unbiased jury is critical to ensuring you receive a just trial.
If your case reaches trial, expect:
Most OUI trials in Kennebunk last one to two days, but pre-trial motions may still be filed beforehand to decide which evidence can be presented in court.
A well-prepared defense can create reasonable doubt, increasing the likelihood of an acquittal or reduced sentence.
In Maine, an OUI conviction cannot be expunged from your record. Unlike some states that allow for record sealing or expungement, Maine law does not offer this option for OUI offenses. Once convicted, the charge remains on both your criminal record and driving history permanently, affecting employment opportunities, insurance rates, and future legal consequences.
The only potential remedy is executive clemency from the Governor, but this is an extremely rare and complex process. Clemency does not erase the conviction—it may offer some relief, but the OUI can still appear on background checks.
If you are facing an OUI charge in Kennebunk, Maine, it is critical to take immediate action to protect your future. The Maine Criminal Defense Group can fight to minimize the impact of an OUI charge and explore all possible legal defenses to help you avoid a conviction. Contact us today for expert legal representation.
An OUI/DUI charge in Kennebunk can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our dedicated OUI lawyers know what’s at stake and are ready to defend your rights with skill and determination.
With deep experience handling drunk and drugged driving cases across southern Maine, we investigate every detail—police stops, field sobriety tests, breath results—to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Whether you’re a first-time offender or facing repeat charges, we’ll work to reduce penalties, protect your license, and fight for your future.
If you’re looking for a trusted DUI attorney near Kennebunk, contact us today for a confidential consultation and a strong legal defense that will protect your rights and help get your life back on track.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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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 or an OUI/DUI offense 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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