Maine DUI Consequences

When it comes to driving under the influence (DUI), U.S. lawmakers make their message loud and clear: if you drink and drive, you will face criminal penalties for your actions. Unfortunately, despite this warning, DUI remains one of the most common crimes in the nation—and in light of the number of arrests made each year, today’s DUI laws are tougher than ever. In Maine, for example, the penalties for a first-time offender can include a fine, license suspension, and even jail time. What’s more, because state lawmakers have little tolerance for drunk drivers, individuals convicted of the offense will face additional Maine DUI consequences in the future.

Although the penalties for driving under the influence vary based upon the circumstances of your arrest, a first offense generally carries a minimum $500 fine, 90-day license suspension, and jail sentence (with the length of the sentence depending on the nature of the offense). If this is your second DUI within the last ten years, the fine goes up to $700 and the license suspension increases to three years—and if you managed to avoid jail the first time around, this time you can expect to spend at least seven days behind bars.

After two prior convictions, the penalties for a subsequent DUI charge continue to increase. For a third DUI, you’ll face a minimum $1,100 fine, six-year license suspension, and 30-day jail sentence. If this marks your fourth time being convicted of drunk driving, be prepared to pay at least $2,100 in fines and serve a minimum six-month jail sentence. Your driving privileges will also be suspended for the next six years; once your license is restored, you will be expected to get an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle (a device that requires you to perform a breathalyzer in order to operate your vehicle).

While the above penalties may seem severe, they are quite lenient once you consider the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction. Because it will be permanently reflected on your criminal record, it will follow you long after you’ve completed the terms of your sentence. From jeopardizing employment, housing, and educational opportunities to drastically impacting your auto insurance rates, you can expect to encounter difficulties in the future once you are labeled a drunk driver.

However, just because you were arrested for DUI does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted of the offense in court. If the arresting officer did not have a legally valid reason for pulling you over, for example, your charges will most likely be dismissed—and that’s just one tactic you can use to challenge your arrest.

To discuss the details of your arrest and determine the right defense strategy for your situation, simply complete our short online form today. An experienced DUI defense attorney in your area will contact you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.