This case started like many DUI or OUI cases in Maine. My client was driving home from a bar at around midnight. A Yarmouth, Maine Police officer saw his car driving too slow, watched the vehicle touch the yellow center line several times and noticed a brake light out. The officer stopped the car and had the driver perform field sobriety tests. The traffic stop and roadside tests were recorded on video. The officer saw clues of impairment on the tests and he arrested my client for OUI. The driver was taken to the station to do a breath test on an intoxilyzer 8000. His breath alcohol level tested at .20; the legal limit is .08. Because of the high test, a 2 day jail sentence was mandatory. We had a trial and the jury returned a not guilty verdict. [Read more…]
Articles on Maine OUI, DUI and Operating Under the Influence
Maine OUI Laws Explained: Penalties for DUI, OUI in Maine
Under Maine OUI Laws, “Operating Under the Influence” is the term used to describe DUI, DWI, impaired or drunk driving. Those charged with OUI in Maine need to understand what the laws actually say and what penalties are possible. This article will explain:
- How Maine OUI laws define the crime
- The minimum sentences for DUI or OUI
- Aggravating factors that increase the minimum sentences
- OUI alcohol and drug testing
- BMV license suspensions
- Other consequences of an OUI conviction
- Some of the ways a lawyer can help
You can click this link to see all my articles about Maine OUI Offenses.
Ignition Interlock Device Now Shortens a 1st Maine OUI Suspension
The Maine Legislature has passed LD 1260. The law is effective from 12/1/13 on and it modifies Maine’s current Operating Under the Influence suspension scheme. The law increases the first offense OUI suspension period, but also allows for quicker license reinstatement if the driver gets an ignition interlock device installed. Such devices are connected to the car’s ignition system and require the driver to give a breath sample before starting the car. The law is a major change and it’s important to understand what it does and how it works. [Read more…]
Maine OUI Laws: DUI Definitions, Penalties & License Suspensions
Highway Patrol Images via filckr
Under Maine OUI Laws, “Operating Under the Influence” is the term used to describe DUI, DWI, impaired or drunk driving. Those charged with OUI need to understand what the law actually say and what penalties are possible under Maine statutes. In this article, I’ll explain how Maine OUI laws define the crime, the minimum sentences for OUI the aggravating factors that can increase the minimum sentences and some of the ways that a lawyer can help. You can click this link to see all my articles about Maine OUI Offenses. [Read more…]
OUI Charges and the Defenses an Attorney Can Raise
From my office in Portland, I see a lot of OUI or Operating Under the Influence cases. Many folks think that it’s not worth hiring an OUI Defense Attorney since these cases are easy to prove, but that’s not always true. There are a lot of potential problems with any case and a person never knows what defenses are possible until an experienced OUI lawyer reviews the evidence. Every case has some defense. This article will cover some of the legal issues that a defense attorney can raise. Click the following link for information on the elements of OUI in Maine and the possible sentences. You can click this link to review all of my articles about OUI Defense. This post covers the following topics and you can click a link to jump to that section: [Read more…]
