A conviction for an OUI in Maine is accompanied by serious consequences, including heavy financial repercussions.
Understanding the court-imposed fines is one thing, but the financial consequences can extend well beyond these costs.
In fact, the penalties associated with an OUI can amount to over $10,000. While these costs can be minimized with the help of a seasoned OUI lawyer, it helps to know what you could be liable for.
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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Consequences of an OUI in Maine
An OUI conviction in Maine—even for a first offense—can result in hefty fines and mandatory jail time if aggravating factors are present (high Blood Alcohol Concentration or refusal to provide a breath sample, for instance).
As well as mandatory jail time, aggravating factors can result in a felony record (which can affect employment), an extended license suspension, higher fines/fees, mandatory substance abuse treatment, travel restrictions (especially to Canada), and potential professional license implications.
Financial impact of a Maine OUI
The cost of an OUI in Maine can be a huge financial burden, especially if it affects your employment.
Court-ordered fees and fines (with surcharges), plus the long-term financial consequences, add up quickly unless you successfully fight the charges against you.
As well as the court-imposed fines, license suspensions, and license reinstatement costs, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase to $2,000-3,000 annually.
You will also need to fund the costs of any court-ordered treatment and rehabilitation programs, such as the mandatory DEEP weekend program, which costs $300.
The Ignition Interlock Device program is also a major financial commitment. More about this and other additional costs below.
Professional consequences of a Maine OUI
The financial impact of a Maine OUI conviction may also be connected to professional consequences, in some cases. A conviction can create permanent obstacles to pursuing or advancing certain careers:
- An OUI can lead to a permanent criminal record with no expungement option available, meaning that the record of the conviction will always appear in background checks conducted by employers.
- Difficulty obtaining professional licenses: certain professions require a clean criminal history before a license will be issued, especially those that require public trust, involve the operation of vehicles, or are federally regulated. Those seeking licenses for a medical profession (nurses, physicians, dentists), accountants, attorneys, commercial drivers, and pilots can all be affected.
- Reduced employment opportunities: even if you don’t lose your job due to an OUI, having to admit to a criminal record can limit future employment opportunities when applying for positions.
Travel restrictions may affect employment: if the OUI itself doesn’t hamper employment opportunities, the associated travel restrictions from the license suspension might.
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.
Fines and suspensions
The most obvious financial repercussion from an OUI conviction in Maine is the fines you will have to pay. Don’t forget that criminal penalties apply to breath test refusals as well as OUI convictions. In fact, as you will see below, the penalties for refusal are even harsher than for standard OUIs.
Maine has a “look-back” period of ten years for prior convictions, meaning that any prior OUI conviction in the last ten years will factor into the consequences. This can lead to increased fines and license suspensions, as well as jail time in some instances:
- First OUI offense
- $500 minimum fine and a minimum 150-day license suspension.
- First-time offense with a refusal: minimum $600 fine, minimum 150-day court-imposed suspension, minimum 275-day administrative suspension.
- Second OUI offense
- $700 fine and a mandatory three-year license suspension.
- Second-time offense with a refusal: minimum $900 fine and a mandatory court-imposed three-year suspension, and an 18-month administrative suspension.
- Third OUI offense
- Minimum $1,100 fine and a mandatory six-year license suspension.
- Third-time offense with a refusal: minimum $1,400 fine, a mandatory six-year court-imposed suspension.
- Fourth OUI offense
- Minimum $2,100 fine and a mandatory eight-year license suspension.
- Fourth-time offense with a refusal: minimum $2,500 fine, and a mandatory eight-year suspension.
License, transportation, and other costs associated with an OUI
During the lengthy license suspension periods outlined above (e.g., eight years for a fourth OUI offense), the transportation costs incurred can mount up and become a real financial burden.
After the suspension period has been served, OUI offenders must also pay the license reinstatement fee of $50-$100.
Plenty of other hidden costs may continue to contribute to the financial impact of an OUI. Depending on the circumstances of the case, these may include:
- Alternative sentencing program fees ($185-$500, depending on county).
- Fees for mandatory substance abuse treatment.
- Higher interest rates on loans.
These fees may all come into play even before we consider the legal representation fees applicable if you contest the charges, as is generally advisable.
Maine’s OUI Ignition Interlock Device costs
Some first-time and repeat offenders in Maine can get their licenses back sooner if they install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. This acts as an in-car breathalyzer that locks the engine if any alcohol is detected on the breath.
Drivers must have completed alcohol school and paid the license reinstatement fee to qualify for the program. While this permits driving before the full suspension period ends, it also increases the costs of an OUI. Some of the associated costs include:
- An $80 installation fee (at a service center approved by the Maine Secretary of State)
- Monthly rental of $65/month
- $40 to remove the device
Individuals who earn less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level can get the IID for half price, but the financial commitment can be significant.
As you have seen, an OUI conviction in Maine will result in a growing financial impact with many possibilities for additional costs. The total costs of an OUI can easily surpass $10,000 and the financial repercussions can still affect a driver 5-10 years after the OUI conviction.
The best way to avoid having to pay these extra costs is to avoid a conviction in the first place.
For experienced legal help with any OUI charge, call the Maine Criminal Defense Group at 207-571-8146 for an initial case evaluation..
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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