Despite all the warnings about drunk-driving, road accidents and deaths still make shocking headlines almost every day. In Maine, you can be arrested and convicted for drunk-driving, or otherwise known as operating under the influence (OUI) if you are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. While you can refuse to take the chemical test, doing so can only magnify your case. You can also be arrested for OUI if your physical and mental abilities are impaired due to the consumption of alcohol. The arrest is based on your driving manner or your field sobriety test result.
OUI Arrests in Maine
Before you refuse to take the BAC test to find out the level of alcohol in your body you should first consult a good OUI lawyer. As mentioned earlier, your refusal can only make things worse for you. Your driver’s license can be automatically suspended for a period of time provided by law.
Your Maine OUI arrest can trigger two separate cases: a court case and an administrative case. A court case will determine your penalties and punishments over your arrest. These include your jail time, fines, OUI education program, etc. Nonetheless, if you want to uphold your right to drive despite serving the charges, you can request a hearing with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Keep in mind though that you are only given 10 days following your arrest to make an appeal. Failure to do so permits the authorities to automatically revoke your license.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
The Maine OUI laws have a fair bit of straightforward charges for first time offenders. If this is your first arrest, you need to serve the following consequences:
While these charges seem to be plain and simple, they can increase to severe penalties under some aggravating factors such as driving with minors or refusing to take the BAC test wherein you will face the following:
In Maine, your OUI convictions are kept in record for 10 years. If you are again arrested and convicted for the same case within the past 10 years, then you can expect to face tougher consequences.
License Suspension for Maine OUI
Apart from the discussed court charges, you could also end up losing your license for an OUI conviction. The suspension is determined in an administrative hearing in the following manner:
Did you refuse the BAC test? If so then you will have to count additional 90 days above your suspension times.
Insurance Consequences
Your insurance will probably climb high, or your coverage may be dropped by your insurance provider. Either way, you will definitely find it more challenging to whether maintain or let go your existing coverage to enable you to drive again.