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OUI laws in Lewiston, Maine are severe and you can expect no help from law enforcement if you are stopped on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Lewiston, Maine, you’re likely facing a confusing, high-stress situation—and the legal consequences can be severe. A conviction for OUI in Maine can result in hefty fines, loss of your driver’s license, increased insurance rates, and even jail time, especially if this is not your first offense. The stakes are high, and you need an experienced defense team that knows how to protect your rights.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our dedicated Lewiston OUI lawyers have extensive experience defending clients against drunk driving and drug-impaired driving charges throughout Androscoggin County. We understand how OUI arrests happen in Lewiston—from local sobriety checkpoints to traffic stops on Route 196 or I-95—and we know how to challenge field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police procedure errors that could impact the outcome of your case.
Maine’s OUI laws are strict and technical, and navigating the Lewiston District Court system without skilled legal representation can put your freedom and future at risk. Our legal team is led by attorneys with a deep understanding of Maine’s criminal code, court procedures, and prosecutorial strategies. We build personalized, strategic defenses aimed at reducing or even dismissing your charges whenever possible.
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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| 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 OUI 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:
Maine 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.
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 Lewiston, Maine, please review our comprehensive guide or contact us directly.
The BMV in Lewiston 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 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
A third Operating Under the Influence (OUI) conviction in Lewiston, Maine elevates the offense to a Class C felony, carrying significantly harsher penalties that can profoundly impact your life. Maine’s legal system takes repeat OUI offenses seriously, as they pose risks to public safety, and the penalties reflect this strict stance. If convicted of a third OUI, you face mandatory penalties, including:
In addition to these penalties, repeat offenders are required to complete a state-approved drug or alcohol treatment program, designed to address the underlying substance abuse issues contributing to their offenses.
You are breaking the law if you refuse a breath, blood or urine test if you are suspected of OUI in Lewiston and requested to submit a chemical sample.
This is known as the “implied consent” law, meaning that drivers in Lewiston, Maine must submit to a BAC test or breathalyzer when requested by a qualified law enforcement officer. A breath test 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.
19 Commercial St
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 602-1675
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
Contact one of our experienced Lewiston OUI defense attorneys to help you avoid much of the aforementioned pain and headache that comes with getting arrested for drinking and driving.
71 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 795-4800
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
If you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Lewiston, Maine, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal process ahead. The consequences of an OUI conviction—jail time, hefty fines, and a suspended driver’s license—can be severe. However, being charged does not mean you are automatically guilty. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired or over the legal limit, and an experienced Lewiston OUI defense lawyer can challenge their case at every stage.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we guide clients through the OUI court process in Lewiston, ensuring they understand their legal options and building the strongest possible defense.
The first step in the OUI legal process is arraignment, which typically occurs within a few weeks of your arrest. During this court appearance:
Pleading not guilty allows your defense lawyer to challenge the evidence and negotiate for a potential dismissal or reduced charge.
Approximately six weeks after the arraignment, a dispositional conference is held. This meeting includes:
A strong defense strategy can increase the chances of securing a favorable plea deal or even a dismissal before trial.
Following the dispositional conference, your defense lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or request additional discovery. This process includes:
Motion hearings usually occur around two weeks after the dispositional conference and can significantly impact the strength of the prosecution’s case.
If key evidence is thrown out, the prosecution’s case may become weak or unprosecutable, leading to a potential dismissal.
If your case is not resolved through negotiations or a plea deal, it moves to trial. Before the trial begins:
A fair and unbiased jury is critical to ensuring you receive a just trial.
If your case reaches trial, expect:
Most OUI trials in Maine last one to two days, but pre-trial motions may still be filed beforehand to decide which evidence can be presented in court.
A well-prepared defense can create reasonable doubt, increasing the likelihood of an acquittal or reduced sentence.
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 charge in Lewiston, ME 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.
Being charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Lewiston, Maine is a serious legal matter—but you don’t have to face it alone. The sooner you involve a skilled defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your license, your freedom, and your future.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced Lewiston OUI lawyers are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf. We’ll thoroughly examine the details of your arrest, challenge any unlawful police procedures, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges whenever possible. Whether it’s your first OUI or a repeat offense, we understand what’s at stake—and we know how to help.
If you’re searching for a Lewiston DUI attorney near you or wondering what to do after an OUI arrest in Androscoggin County, we’re here to provide clear answers and a solid legal strategy. With a proven track record of success in OUI defense across Maine, our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Don’t wait. Call The Maine Criminal Defense Group today or fill out our secure online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.Â
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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one of our team members who will set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
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.
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