OUI laws in Saco, 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 Saco, Maine, can be a life-altering experience. The consequences of an OUI conviction are serious, including steep fines, license suspension, and even potential jail time. Law enforcement in Saco takes these offenses seriously, which is why building a strong and strategic defense is critical to protecting your future.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced OUI lawyers in Saco are dedicated to defending clients against these charges. With a thorough understanding of Maine’s OUI laws and the local court system, we provide skilled, tailored representation to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
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 law prohibits operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with a legal limit of 0.08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for most drivers. However, you can still face OUI charges in Saco even if your BAC is below this threshold if an officer believes your ability to drive is impaired.
Penalties for an OUI conviction in Maine are severe and increase with prior offenses or aggravating factors like excessive speeding, a high BAC, or having a minor passenger. Consequences may include hefty fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible jail time. Understanding these penalties and how they apply to your case is crucial, making experienced legal representation essential in fighting an OUI charge.
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 |
In Maine, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) doesn’t wait for a conviction to suspend your driver’s license. If you fail a breathalyzer test with a BAC of .08% or higher, the BMV will issue an automatic license suspension—even before your case goes to court.
To challenge this suspension, you must request an administrative hearing in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice. An experienced OUI lawyer from The Maine Criminal Defense Group can handle this process for you, fighting to protect your driving privileges—especially crucial if you live out of state or have work obligations.
If you lose the BMV hearing and are later convicted in court, any criminal license suspension will run concurrently with the administrative one, meaning you won’t have to serve two separate suspensions.
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
Maine’s implied consent law requires all drivers to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects them of Operating Under the Influence (OUI). Refusing a chemical test is a separate violation that leads to harsh penalties—regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of OUI.
For drivers 21 and older, a breathalyzer refusal results in an automatic 275-day license suspension. Drivers under 21 face even stricter consequences, with a minimum 18-month suspension. Additionally, refusing a test can be used as evidence against you in court, making it even more critical to have an experienced OUI lawyer on your side.
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.
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
The Maine district courthouse resides in a large, bulky, white stone building. Driving directions can be found using the following Google Maps directions, and are also available on the court’s website.
Importantly, make sure that you go to the correct courthouse. The Federal District Court for Southern Maine is located directly across Pearl Street from the Maine District Court. The Federal District Court is for federal cases – many people mistakenly go to the federal courthouse when they actually have a state case.
Your OUI charge is a state charge, so will be handled in the Maine District Court, not the Federal District Court.
Navigating the OUI court process in Saco can be overwhelming, with potential penalties including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Having an experienced OUI defense lawyer is crucial to challenging the prosecution’s case and protecting your rights.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages in an OUI court case in Saco:
Each step in this process presents opportunities to challenge evidence and negotiate for reduced penalties. A skilled OUI lawyer in Saco can help you navigate these complexities and build a strong defense.
In Saco, Maine, confronting an OUI charge may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it in alone. Our steadfast OUI defense team is ready to safeguard your rights, scrutinize evidence, and strive for the optimal resolution in your case.
Backed by a history of successful outcomes, we are dedicated to offering you seasoned legal advice and steadfast assistance through this demanding period. Should you have inquiries about navigating an OUI charge in Saco, Maine, reach out to The Maine Criminal Defense Group at (207) 571-8146.
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.
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