OUI laws in Brunswick, Maine are severe, and you can expect no help from law enforcement if you are stopped on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving.
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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Under Maine OUI laws, you are not allowed to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicant. Most drivers know this, and many also understand that the legal limit is .08 percent Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
In Maine, you can be arrested and charged with an OUI even if you are within the legal limit. If a law enforcement officer suspects you of operating a vehicle in an impaired way, you will be arrested and asked to submit to certain tests.
Review the potential penalties for operating under the influence charges in Maine.
| No. of Offense (Last 10 Years) | License Suspension | Jail Time | Minimum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | 150 Days | 0 – 96 Hours | $500 |
| 2nd Offense | 3 Years | 7 Days | $700 |
| 3rd Offense | 6 Years | 30 Days | $1,100 |
| 4th Offense | 8 Years | 6 Months | $2,100 |
A “first offense” means that you do not have any prior OUI convictions in any state within the preceding 10 years.
Maine imposes the following set of mandatory minimum criminal penalties for a first offense OUI conviction:
Brunswick judges frequently exceed these minimum penalties and hand down harsher punishments. It’s important to bear in mind that even for a first conviction, Maine OUI laws allow for a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.
Penalties for second and subsequent OUI offenses carry harsher minimum and maximum penalties.
The BMV in Brunswick doesn’t wait for a conviction before suspending your driver’s license.
If you fail a breathalyzer test with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, the BMV will suspend your driver’s license. This is an automatic suspension unless you contest it by requesting an administrative hearing (in writing) within 10 days of the notice of suspension date.
An OUI lawyer from The Maine Criminal Defense Group can file for and represent you at the hearing, which can be especially beneficial if you live out of state or are busy working.
If you are unsuccessful at your BMV hearing and are later convicted in court, any criminal driving suspension runs concurrently with the BMV one. You serve the suspension only once.
Read More → Refusing a Breathalyzer or Chemical Test when Pulled Over for an OUI in Maine
For a second OUI offense in Maine, it’s considered a Class D crime with potential penalties. The maximum jail term is 364 days, and fines can reach up to $2,000. Mandatory minimum penalties include:
If you refused a chemical test, the penalties become more severe:
To learn more about the penalties for subsequent OUI charges in Maine, please review our comprehensive guide or contact us directly.
For drivers under the age of 21 (the legal drinking limit in Maine), Zero Tolerance laws apply for OUI.
Your license will be suspended by the BMV for any amount of alcohol and, for a first-time OUI, you will face the following criminal penalties:
Read More → Underage OUI Charges in Maine
You are breaking the law if you refuse a breath, blood or urine test if you are suspected of OUI in Brunswick and requested to submit a chemical sample.
This is known as the “implied consent” law, meaning that drivers in Maine must submit to a BAC test or breathalyzer when requested by a qualified law enforcement officer. Refusal will lead to an automatic suspension of your driving privileges for 275 days.
For drivers under the age of 21, a refusal means an automatic suspension of driving privileges for 18 months.
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.
14 Main Street, Suite 212
Brunswick, Maine 04011
Phone: 207-305-3799
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
Contact one of our experienced Brunswick OUI/DUI defense attorneys to help you avoid much of the aforementioned pain and headache that comes with getting arrested for drinking and driving.
If you’ve been charged with operating under the influence (OUI) in Brunswick, Maine, it’s critical to understand the court process—and to have an experienced defense attorney by your side. An OUI conviction can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, steep fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. Having skilled legal counsel early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we guide clients through every phase of the OUI court process. Our attorneys focus on protecting your rights and challenging whether the prosecution can prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here’s what you can expect as your OUI case moves through the Brunswick court system:
Your first court appearance is the arraignment. In Brunswick, this is where you will formally hear the OUI charges against you and enter a plea—typically “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” This step officially sets the stage for all future proceedings in your case.
Approximately six weeks after the arraignment, your case will be scheduled for a dispositional conference. This meeting typically involves your defense attorney, the prosecutor, and sometimes the judge. It’s an opportunity to discuss whether a negotiated resolution—such as a plea agreement—can be reached without proceeding to trial.
If your defense attorney identifies constitutional or evidentiary issues, motions will be filed—such as a motion to suppress breathalyzer results or other evidence. Motions must generally be filed shortly after the dispositional conference. A hearing on these motions usually takes place about two weeks later, giving the court a chance to rule on key issues before trial.
If your OUI case is heading to trial, the next major step is jury selection. In Brunswick, jury selection typically happens on a Monday a few weeks after the motion hearing. Selecting impartial jurors is critical, as they will ultimately decide whether the evidence supports a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
The OUI trial in Brunswick is typically scheduled about two weeks after jury selection. Trials for first-time or misdemeanor OUI offenses usually last one to two days. Before trial, additional motions may be filed to determine what evidence the jury can consider. Your defense attorney will present evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and argue for your acquittal.
Navigating the OUI court process without strong legal representation can put your future at serious risk. The Maine Criminal Defense Group brings years of experience defending OUI charges throughout Maine, including Brunswick. We understand how to challenge the state’s evidence, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.
In Maine, you can not get an OUI expunged.
An OUI conviction in Maine creates a permanent record on both your driving and criminal history, and the impact extends far beyond this lasting mark.
The only possible way to address an OUI conviction on your record is by seeking executive clemency from the Governor. However, this option is exceedingly rare for OUI offenses and involves a rigorous, time-consuming application process. Even if clemency is granted, it does not fully expunge the conviction. The offense may still appear on certain background checks.
Facing an OUI/DUI charge in Brunswick comes with a range of legal consequences that can affect many aspects of your life and it’s crucial to understand these regulations to protect your rights and avoid losing your driving privileges.
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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Great group of people. Managed to get me a favorable outcome from a very bad situation. I would highly recommend this firm if you have legal troubles. Top notch performance!!
So thankful I chose this team to represent me. They’re the best, hands down. Nathan Hitchcock proved my innocence not once but TWICE, including a trial by jury. I have a family in law enforcement who told me “Bill Bly and his team are the best. If I would recommend anyone, it would be them.”
If you are facing criminal charges or an OUI/DUI offense in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
"Bill Bly did an excellent job of listening and addressing our concerns. He answered all of our questions in a timely manner and got results. I highly recommend his services!"
— John H.
In-office consultations are done by appointment only. Contact us today to schedule yours.
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