Maine, just as with other states, has strict laws concerning driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your BAC or blood alcohol content is .08 or above, you will be arrested for OUI or Operating Under the Influence. If you are under 21 or a commercial driver, your BAC level will be lowered even more. Minors that have any alcohol in their system will automatically lose their license for at least one year. If you are suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, you will find yourself arrested under suspicion of OUI and testing to determine if the suspicion is correct.
First OUI Offense
When you are arrested for your first OUI in Maine you will lose your license immediately until your court date and will lose it for a minimum of 90 days after you are convicted. After the license suspension period has been served, you will get a conditional license for 1 year, usually with the use of an ignition interlock device. As far as jail time, you will be spending at least two days and may face up to 30 days in jail, depending upon the aggravating factors associated with your arrest. Fines will be $500, but this will not include the cost of an ignition interlock device installation, lawyer fees, and other fines and fees that are associated with meeting the requirements of your sentencing.
Second OUI Offense
If you are arrested for s second time within ten years, you will be facing a license suspension of at least 3 years. Your license will automatically be suspended upon your arrest and after you conviction, your time will increase by three years, but you can get your license reinstated after a period of 9 months if you are willing to install and interlock ignition device. A minimum jail sentence of 6 months in jail and will have a fine to pay of at least $1000. This fine will not include the cost of any drug/alcohol evaluations that are mandated, ignition interlock installation, court fees, or any other costs that you are faced with to fulfill the requirements of your sentencing.
Third OUI Offense
If you have a third OUI within ten years be ready to face some severe penalties. The first is that you will lose your license for a minimum of four years, but for as long as 6 years and your vehicle may be seized by the state as well. A minimum 9 months and 1 day will be spent in jail and you can be facing as long as 5 years, depending upon the factors of your arrest. A fine will be levied against you of an amount from $1000 to $5000 and this amount can be significantly increased with the other fees and fines that are associated with fulfilling the requirements of your sentencing and reinstating your license. Probation of two years will be required, as well as mandatory drug and alcohol assessment and treatment.
Fourth OUI Offense
When you are arrested for a fourth OUI, you need to understand that you are facing some very severe restrictions upon your life for a long time to come. A suspension of your driver’s license will be instant and this will continue for up to 6 years after your conviction as well. A minimum of 2 years will be spent in jail and after you are released you will be on probation and will be required to undergo drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment. Fines will be at least $1000 and will go up from there, depending upon your sentence.