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Is jail time involved for a first DUI in Maine?
Question:
Is jail time involved for a first DUI in Maine?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Maine takes drunk driving very seriously for both minors and adults; and Maine DUI laws are harsh. Not only are the penalties harsh, but Maine has an “implied consent law” meaning that refusal to consent to breath or other alcohol related tests may lead to even harsher penalties. In some states like Maine, by getting a driver’s license, you are consenting to these tests.
Your first DUI conviction carries with it 30 to 90 days in jail, a fine of $500, and a license suspension for 90 days. That license suspension takes effect as soon as you are ticketed and you may not get it back until you go to court, at which time the mandatory 90 suspension will begin. If there are any aggravating circumstances at the time of the arrest such as eluding the officer, or speeding, or having a minor in the car; there can be several hours added on to the jail time. Subsequent convictions carry significantly more time and fines. These penalties are mandatory minimums and cannot be suspended by a judge.
In addition to jail time, the monetary cost for the first DUI can be in the thousands: $2,000 for a lawyer and you will need a good DUI attorney; auto insurance surcharges that can be $1,000 a year; bail, towing; alcohol education; and loss of work time. It is estimated that the first DUI conviction in Maine can cost nearly $7,000.
It is unlikely that you be able to avoid jail time in Maine because this is set by statute. However, having an experienced attorney can help to minimize your penalties.
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