Saco, ME OUI Lawyers

Being charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Saco, Maine is a serious offense, even for a first-time offender. A conviction can result in harsh penalties that affect your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. Maine enforces strict OUI/DUI laws, and even a first offense can lead to significant legal and personal consequences.

If you have no prior OUI, DUI, or DWI convictions in Maine or any other state, a first-time OUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor offense. However, the penalties remain severe:

• Mandatory minimum 150-day license suspension
• $500 fine, plus additional court fees
• No eligibility for a work-only license for the first 100 days

Additionally, if you refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, your penalties become even more severe due to Maine’s implied consent law. Refusing chemical testing results in:

• A mandatory minimum of 96 hours in jail
• Increased license suspension periods

Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties

Certain circumstances can elevate the penalties of a first-time OUI, leading to harsher consequences. These include:

• BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Excessive speeding (30+ mph over the speed limit)
• Passengers under the age of 21 in the vehicle

If any of these factors are present, you face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours, in addition to the standard first-time OUI penalties.

Reinstating Your License

After 30 days without a license, you may qualify for early reinstatement under certain conditions:

• Completion of an alcohol education program
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) until the suspension period ends

A first-time OUI conviction can have lasting repercussions on your driving record, employment opportunities, and auto insurance rates. The best way to protect yourself is by securing experienced legal representation. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we fight to reduce or dismiss charges, helping you move forward with minimal impact on your future.

Second OUI Penalty in Saco

A second OUI offense in Saco, Maine carries harsher penalties than a first-time conviction, as the state imposes strict consequences for repeat offenders. If you are charged with a second OUI within 10 years of a prior conviction—whether in Maine or another state—you will face severe legal repercussions that can impact your freedom, driving privileges, and financial stability.

Penalties for a Second OUI Conviction in Saco

A second OUI is classified as a misdemeanor offense but comes with mandatory penalties, including:

• Minimum 7 days in jail (with the possibility of a longer sentence)
• Mandatory 3-year license suspension
• Registration suspension for 3 years
• $700 fine, plus court fees and other costs
• No eligibility for a work-restricted license during the first three years

Reinstating Your License After a Second OUI

To regain full driving privileges after a minimum of nine months without a license, you must:

• Complete a state-approved alcohol education program
• Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for two years

A second OUI conviction in Saco, Maine can have lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. If you are facing charges, securing an experienced Maine OUI lawyer is crucial. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we build strong defenses to challenge the prosecution’s case and fight for the best possible outcome.

Refusing a Breath or Blood Test on a Second Offense

Maine enforces an implied consent law, meaning that refusing a breathalyzer or blood test leads to automatic penalties. If you refuse a chemical test for a second time within 10 years, the consequences are even more severe:

• Minimum 12 days in jail
• $900 fine, plus additional court costs
• 3-year license suspension with no eligibility for a work license
• 3-year suspension of vehicle registration

3rd OUI Penalty in Saco

A third OUI conviction within ten years is a felony offense in Maine, carrying significantly harsher penalties than prior offenses. Additionally, if an OUI results in serious bodily injury, the charge is elevated to a Class C felony, leading to long-term consequences, including prison time, extended license suspensions, and steep fines.

Penalties for a Third OUI Conviction in Saco

If convicted of a third OUI offense within 10 years, you will face:

• Class C felony charges
• Minimum 30 days in jail (40 days if you refuse a breathalyzer or blood test)
• Up to 5 years in prison
• $1,100 minimum fine ($5,000 maximum fine)
• 2 years of probation

License Suspension and Driving Restrictions

A third OUI conviction also results in severe restrictions on your ability to drive:

• 6-year license suspension (with no eligibility for a work-restricted license)
• Vehicle registration suspension for the same duration
• Completion of an alcohol awareness program is required for license reinstatement
• Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 3 years after serving the full suspension

The High Stakes of a Third OUI Conviction

A felony OUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your future. You may lose your ability to drive for years, face challenges securing employment, and have a permanent felony record that affects housing, professional licensing, and firearm rights.

If you are facing a third OUI charge in Maine, you need an experienced defense attorney who can fight to reduce or dismiss the charges. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we understand the complexities of OUI cases and work aggressively to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life.