OUI laws in Machias, Maine are severe and you can expect no help from law enforcement if you are stopped on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving.
Facing Operating Under the Influence (OUI) charges in Machias, Maine demands a robust defense, as the consequences are severe. Law enforcement is unforgiving, and the distinction between a lasting criminal record and potential jail time hinges on the strength of your defense.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our steadfast OUI defense lawyers in Machias bring tenacity and a deep understanding of Maine’s OUI laws. We navigate the complexities of the Machias court system, offering a formidable defense to mitigate the serious repercussions of an OUI conviction.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.
A first OUI offense in Maine can potentially have long-term consequences, but with the right legal representation, alleged offenders can escape the harshest penalties. A first offense for impaired driving[...]
If you blow under .08 in a DUI breath test in Maine, it may be jumping the gun to breathe a huge sigh of relief. You may not be “free[...]
Information Updated: October 25, 2023 Between 11 and 15 million Americans visit Canada each year but you’re unlikely to contribute to those numbers in the future if you have an[...]
A charge for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Maine comes with a potential loss of driving privileges. But is there a way to still drive legally if you need[...]
Several things happen at the same time if you are arrested and charged with OUI in Maine, or issued with a summons for an OUI charge. Your license will be[...]
A charge for OUI in Maine has potential consequences that go well beyond what most people expect for drunk driving. Even for a first offense, you can go to jail[...]
The term used for driving under the influence in Maine is OUI (Operating Under the Influence), but whatever term you use, an appearance before a judge is almost inevitable if[...]
Updated on May 14, 2023 An OUI is a permanent black mark on your Maine driving and criminal record, but this is not the only thing about which you should[...]
We will explore the Maine OUI consequences that go beyond the fines, license suspension, and jail time typically associated with such charges. Operating Under the Influence (OUI) charges can have[...]
Operating under the influence (OUI) charges are on the rise in Maine and this has been partly attributed to the increase in the number of sobriety checkpoints on our roads.[...]
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:
Machias 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 Machias 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 Machias 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 attorneys today.
19 Commercial St
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 602-1675
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
Contact one of our experienced OUI defense attorneys in Portland, Maine to help you avoid much of the aforementioned pain and headache that comes with getting arrested for drinking and driving.
85 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654-0526
Phone: (207) 255-3044
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
If you get arrested and charged for operating your vehicle under the influence (OUI) in Machias, Maine, then your case will go before the Machias District Court. This court is located at 85 Court Street, in Machias, Maine.
The courthouse is a tall, stately-looking red brick building with a white bell tower at the top. It’s connected to a similar looking building on one side – the sheriff’s department and the jail – and is across from the post office.
Driving directions are available online, using either Google Maps, or the court’s website.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.
Facing the potential repercussions of an OUI conviction, including jail time and fines, underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney guide you through every phase of the investigation.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group specializes in offering advice on the intricate facets of the OUI court process in Maine, emphasizing the pivotal question of whether the prosecutor can establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Follow along as we navigate the OUI court process, unraveling each step to gain an understanding of how everything unfolds.
Contact our office to speak with
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 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.
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors; therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.
Copyright 2024 The Maine Criminal Defense Group. All rights reserved. SEO By JurisPage
We are a boutique law firm, and we stand out by prioritizing our clients’ well-being. At The Maine Legal Group, our experienced team offers personalized attention in both criminal defense and divorce cases.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group adeptly handles all areas of criminal defense practice, including experienced and skilled legal representation for state and federal charges.
The Maine Divorce Group empowers individuals skillfully navigating divorce with compassionate guidance, ensuring a brighter future through the challenges of the process.
