OUI and Maine Drunk Driving Offenses

Seasoned litigator guiding you through the Maine OUI process

JP DeGrinney knows Maine drunk driving laws. If you are arrested for drunk driving, he is ready to counsel you on your legal options, prepare a strong defense for your drunk driving charge and navigate you through the legal process. Operating under the influence (OUI) is a serious offense that can result in:

In Maine, you are considered to be under the influence of alcohol if:

• The state can prove that you were operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher or if the state can otherwise prove you were impaired at the time of operation. The criminal offense is called an OUI (operating under the influence).
• If the state can prove that you were operating under the influence of drugs, you face the same penalties you would for operating under the influence of alcohol.

Penalties for drunk driving in Maine

If you are found guilty, Maine drunk driving fines and penalties vary depending upon how many convictions you have had in a period of ten years, and the facts and circumstances of the immediate arrest, among other factors. The following represents so-called "mandatory minimum" sentences under Maine drunk driving law:

• First OUI conviction — A $500 minimum fine except if a person fails to submit a blood or a breath test at the request of a law enforcement officer then the fine is a minimum of $600. A court-ordered suspension of a driver's license for a minimum of 90 days after conviction. A minimum of 48 hours in jail when a person:
  • Has test results showing a blood alcohol level of 0.15 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath
  • Exceeds the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more
  • Eludes or attempts to elude a police officer
  • Has a passenger under 21 years of age
  • Fails to submit to a test at the request of a law enforcement officer (a minimum of 96 hours in jail)

• Second OUI conviction — A $700 minimum fine except if a person fails to submit to a blood or a breath test at the request of a law enforcement officer then the fine is a minimum of $900. A court-ordered suspension of a driver's license for a period of three years and suspension of a person's right to register a motor vehicle. A minimum of seven days in jail or when a person fails to submit to a blood or a breath test at the request of a law enforcement officer there is a 12-day minimum.

• Third OUI conviction — A $1,100 minimum fine except if a person fails to submit to a blood or a breath test at the request of a law enforcement officer then the fine is a minimum of $1,400. A court-ordered suspension of a driver's license for six years and suspension of a person's right to register a motor vehicle. A minimum of 30 days in jail or when a person fails to submit to a blood or breath test at the request of a law enforcement officer there is a 40-day minimum.

• Fourth OUI conviction — A $2,100 minimum fine except if a person fails to submit to a blood or a breath test at the request of a law enforcement officer then the fine is a minimum of $2,500. A court-ordered suspension of a driver's license for six years and the suspension of a person's right to register a motor vehicle. A minimum of six months in jail or when a person fails to submit to a test at the request of a law enforcement officer there is a six-month and 20-day minimum. An interlock device will be installed in a person's car for a period of four years after the suspension period.

Other Maine driving offenses

JP DeGrinney also handles other driving offenses including:

Maine OUI/OAS attorneys

To discuss your OUI/OAS charges or other driving offenses, contact DeGrinney Law Offices to arrange a free consultation.