Updated: August 2024
If you are stopped by police and believed to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, you will be arrested on suspicion of OUI. But it doesn’t stop there.
Many other factors such as your OUI history and the circumstances of your arrest will come into play. The more of these factors that are present, the higher the class of charges you will face.
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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What happens if you get an OUI in Maine?
If you’re convicted of an OUI (Operating Under the Influence) in Maine, the consequences can be severe. Even a first-time offense can potentially lead to up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and a driver’s license suspension for up to three years.
For more serious OUI offenses, such as those involving injury or death, penalties escalate significantly, including the possibility of several years in prison and a lifetime license revocation. Maine’s OUI laws are strict, and even the minimum penalties can have a significant impact on your life.
Types of OUI Charges in Maine
There are many types of OUI and OUI-related charges. All of them should be taken seriously as a conviction can have long term effects on your life. Some of these charges include the following:
First OUI
If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or over and you have no prior OUI convictions, you will receive an OUI charge. Even a first-time conviction can include jail time, license suspension, steep fines, and more.
Second OUI
If you have a BAC of .08% or more and you have 1 OUI conviction in the past 10 years, you will be charged with a 2nd OUI.
Third OUI
If you are stopped by police and found to be driving with a BAC of .08% or more and have 2 prior OUI convictions in the past 10 years, you will be charged with a 3rd OUI.
Multiple OUIs
For every OUI conviction you have on your record in a 10 year period, each additional OUI charge will be more and more severe. The penalties for multiple OUIs tend to be a lot stricter and can include years of license suspension and several months of jail time. You might also be charged with felony OUI.
OUI and Drugs
OUI charges can involve drugs as well as alcohol. Over the counter and prescription drugs can be grounds for an OUI as well.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Out of State OUI
If you are visiting from out of state or passing through Maine and are charged with a OUI, your driving privileges in your home state might be affected as well. An experienced Maine OUI lawyer can handle your case and appear in court on your behalf.
Hit and Run OUI
If you cause an accident or property damage and leave the scene, that is a hit and run. If police believe that you left because you were under the influence, you could be facing both hit and run and OUI charges.
BUI
BUI or Boating Under the Influence is a serious crime and carries serious punishments. Boats are considered vehicles and you are not permitted to drink and drive a watercraft.
OUI Injury
If you cause an accident where injury or death result and your BAC is .08% or over, your charges will be more severe.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Child Endangerment
If you are arrested for OUI and there is a minor under the age of 16 present in the vehicle, you will be charged with child endangerment as well. You will be charged with one count of child endangerment for every minor that is in the vehicle.
OUI Fatality
If you cause an accident where a person is killed and your BAC is .08% or over, you will be charged with an OUI fatality. These charges can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the case.
Commercial OUI
If you are a commercial driver and receive an OUI, you may be facing the loss of your career in addition to OUI penalties. Even if you were not working when the OUI arrest was made, your job could still be at risk if you are convicted.
OUI Accidents
If an accident occurs and your BAC is found to be over the legal limit, you will be charged with OUI and a charge for causing the accident. Depending on the seriousness of the crash and if there were any injuries, you may face felony charges.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Felony OUI
There are several instances that can lead to a felony OUI charge. Once you are convicted of felony OUI, all future OUI charges will be considered felonies as well. A felony conviction carries serious penalties and will remain on your criminal record.
Underage OUI
If you are under the legal drinking age in Maine (21) and stopped with a BAC of .01% or more, you will be charged with Underage OUI. If your BAC is .08% or more, you will be charged with Underage OUI and regular OUI charges.
Why You Should Never Plead Guilty to an OUI in Maine
Contact an OUI Lawyer in Maine Today
If you have been arrested in Maine and are facing an OUI charge, call our firm and speak to an OUI lawyer right away. You have many defense options available to you and our defense attorneys will be able to explain your options to you. Call us directly at (207) 571-8146 or contact us online to get started.
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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