By: John Webb, Traffic Law attorney near me in southern Maine, like Portland traffic tickets
Some Maine traffic violations can be a serious matter. You may be worried about the amount of the fine for a first offense. Read more about our Legal Team’s legal representation availability in all southern Maine.
Each traffic violation case is a criminal case when criminal speeding is what the law enforcement officer charges the person with. This is especially true if you have a “criminal speeding” charge.
These cases require a court appearance. The Class E misdemeanor can lead to hefty fines, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. Finding the best traffic lawyers near me can be extremely beneficial, and our Firm has 4 of them.
Unlike civil law attorneys handling personal injury, traffic ticket attorneys do not work on a “contingency fee” arrangement. Maine criminal defense lawyers at traffic law offices near me will quote a fee (and possibly allow this to be paid in increments) before the criminal case is concluded
If you’re located in Portland, Maine, (or anywhere else in southern Maine) and facing a traffic citation, or a significant speeding offense, you might experience anxiety and uncertainty about the steps to take next.
This is where a veteran traffic lawyer can be of assistance. Specializing in traffic regulations, attorneys like John S. Webb have over three decades or experience providing legal guidance to those who require professional help. His Law Office maintains offices in Saco ME and Portland ME.
As a starting point, Mr. Webb and his other three Firm attorneys can communicate with the officer who issued your citation and represent you in court. This first step often aids in navigating the legal system and might help you avoid severe consequences, like having your license suspended or spending time in jail.
This guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision whether you need a car accident lawyer, an OUI defense lawyer or other type of criminal defense attorney in Maine.
Best Portland Traffic Attorney Near Me: Criminal Speeding Maine
In Maine, criminal speeding is a serious offense that occurs when a driver exceeds the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more. This is classified as a Class E misdemeanor crime under Maine law. Criminal speeding in Maine punishment can include these penalties and consequences:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months of incarceration can be imposed, although this is typically reserved for extreme cases or repeat offenders.
- Monetary Fines: A criminal speeding first offense fine can result in a maximum fine of $1,000 which may be ordered.
- Being placed on Probation: The court also may order you to be on probation for up to one year, with credit for any jail time served.
- Adding “points” to your driving history: Maine criminal speeding points will be added to your demerit points record in Maine.
- License Suspension: An administrative license suspension of at least 30 days is mandatory, with the possibility of longer suspensions depending on the circumstances.
- Insurance Increases: A conviction often leads to significant increases in auto insurance premiums, potentially rising by 20% or more for several years. Some insurance providers (e.g., life insurance) will check a person’s traffic violation history.
Administrative and Long-Term Consequences
- Habitual Offender Status: A criminal speeding conviction contributes to habitual offender status, which may lead to license revocation if a driver accumulates three serious motor vehicle-related convictions within five (5) years.
- Driving Record Demerit Points: Points are added to the driver’s record, which can lead to additional penalties if the total points exceed a certain threshold.
- Criminal Record: A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-term impacts on employment, life insurance ratings and other aspects of a person’s life.
Additional Considerations
- Combination with Other Offenses: If criminal speeding is combined with other offenses, such as OUI (Operating Under the Influence), additional penalties may apply. For example, a first-time OUI offender may face a minimum of 48 hours of jail time if they were also speeding by 30 mph or more over the limit. This jail time may still be imposed despite the driver being cooperative with law enforcement, once stopped.
- Defense Strategies: Negotiating these cases can be hard, but your criminal law attorney can defend against speeding charges. You can question how speed was measured or if speed limits were posted correctly. Consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial for navigating these defenses effectively.
Speeding 30 miles per hour over the limit is a crime. These charges can lead to higher penalties, including possible jail time.
Here’s a breakdown of the penalties you might face:
- Fines for traffic infractions
- Increased insurance rates
- Points added to your license
- Possible license suspension
- Jail time for severe speeding violations
These consequences highlight the importance of taking traffic charges seriously. An attorney can dissect the nuances of each infraction and charge, crafting a tailored defense strategy.
Understanding the differences between infractions and criminal speeding charges can influence your defense approach. It can also impact the overall outcome of your case, making informed decisions crucial.
Why You Need a Traffic Attorney in Saco or Portland, Maine
Getting a traffic ticket might seem small, but the effects can be significant. A traffic attorney does more than give legal advice. They have the skills to fight tickets in southern Maine effectively.
In Portland, Maine, traffic attorneys know local traffic laws well. This experience helps them create strong defenses for their clients. Whether you have a simple speeding ticket or serious speeding charges, their knowledge is important.
Facing the court system alone can be tough. An experienced traffic defense attorney near me can help you navigate the legal process. They handle paperwork, talk to prosecutors, and suggest the best legal strategies.
The cost of ignoring a traffic violation can be high. Insurance premiums can increase significantly after a conviction. A traffic attorney can help you avoid these financial burdens by working to lessen or dismiss charges.
Their role is not limited to defense alone. Traffic attorneys can often prevent a minor issue from escalating into a larger problem. With their help, you maintain a clean driving record, potentially saving you money and stress in the long run.
Navigating Maine’s Speed Limit Laws and Title 29-A
In Maine, speed limit laws keep roads safe. Following these limits is important to avoid penalties.
Title 29-A of the Maine Revised Statutes covers these laws. It sets specific speed limits for different areas, like residential zones and highways. This is the language in Maine Criminal Code Title 29-A Section 2074:
- “3. Criminal offense. A person commits a Class E crime if that person operates a motor vehicle at a speed that exceeds the maximum rate of speed by 30 miles per hour or more.”
The complaint for a violation of a speed limit must specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have operated a motor vehicle.
Breaking speed limits can lead to serious consequences. Fines and points on your license are common penalties. For serious violations, like speeding too much, penalties can increase.
Understanding Title 29-A helps you see the legal effects of speeding. It explains how points are given and what actions can lead to higher penalties.
A skilled traffic attorney can guide you on Title 29-A. They can help you grasp the details of these laws. This knowledge is important for building a strong defense if you break the law. Having the right legal knowledge can greatly impact traffic cases and help you make informed choices.
Interacting with Police Officers and Handling Traffic Stops
When a police officer stops you, stay calm and polite. Your behavior can greatly affect the situation.
Follow all the instructions given by the officer. Clear and respectful communication can help avoid misunderstandings.
Knowing your rights during a traffic stop is important. Understanding what is expected of you helps the process go smoothly.
Penalties for Criminal Speeding in Maine
The penalties for criminal speeding in Maine can be severe:
Fines: Up to $1,000
License suspension: More than 30 days
Probation: Up to one year
Jail time: Up to 6 months
A criminal speeding conviction can raise your car insurance rates. It can also add Maine criminal speeding points to your driving record in Maine. Then there are criminal speeding Maine administrative penalties that John will explain when you meet in person.
Defending Against Criminal Speeding Charges
While challenging a criminal speeding charge may seem impossible, there are several potential defense strategies:
Contesting the Speed Measurement: The prosecution must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can challenge this by questioning the accuracy of the radar or laser device used.
Lack of Proper Posting or Signs: Improper speed limit posting can provide grounds for defense if the authorities do not post or make the speed limit visible properly.
Necessity or Emergency: In some cases, exceeding the speed limit may be justified due to an emergency situation.
Calibration and Officer Training: Challenging how speed measurement devices are calibrated or how officers are trained can be effective.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
John Webb, with his extensive experience in criminal defense and perfect 10 AVVO rating, can provide crucial assistance in your criminal speeding case. He and his three other legal professionals are ready to assist you. Call or Saco and Portland offices by dialing 207-283-6400.
When you set up a free lawyer consultation with John, he will discuss how to beat a criminal speeding ticket in Maine court.
Case Evaluation: Thoroughly review the circumstances of your case to identify potential defenses.
Evidence Analysis: Scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, including speed measurement data and officer reports.
Negotiation: Work with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties.
Court Representation: Provide strong advocacy in court if your case goes to trial.
Clients ask us, “What is a criminal speed offense in Maine?” Criminal speeding in Maine happens when a driver goes over the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more. This offense is a Class E crime. It has serious consequences that go beyond regular speeding violations.
In Maine, criminal speeding is a serious crime. It can lead to heavy fines, losing your license, and even jail time.
John Webb is an experienced criminal defense attorney and among the best Maine criminal speed attorneys in Saco and Portland. He has an AVVO perfect 10 rating. John has successfully defended many clients against criminal speeding charges in Maine courts.
Penalties for Criminal Speeding in Maine
The penalties for criminal speeding in Maine can be severe:
Fines: Up to $1,000
License suspension: Over 30 days
Probation: Up to one year
Jail time: Up to 6 months
A criminal speeding conviction can raise your car insurance rates. It can also add Maine criminal speeding points to your driving record in Maine. Then there are criminal speeding Maine administrative penalties that John will explain when you meet in person.
Defending Against Criminal Speeding Charges
While challenging a criminal speeding charge may seem impossible, there are several potential defense strategies:
Contesting the Speed Measurement: The prosecution must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can challenge this by questioning the accuracy of the radar or laser device used.
Improper speed limit posting can provide grounds for defense if the authorities do not post or make the speed limit visible properly.
Necessity or Emergency: In some cases, exceeding the speed limit may be justified due to an emergency situation.
Calibration and Officer Training: Challenging how speed measurement devices are calibrated or how officers are trained can be effective.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
John Webb, with his extensive experience in criminal defense and perfect 10 AVVO rating, can provide crucial assistance in your criminal speeding case. When you set up a free lawyer consultation with John, he will discuss how to beat criminal speeding ticket in Maine court.
Case Evaluation: Thoroughly review the circumstances of your case to identify potential defenses.
Evidence Analysis: Scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, including speed measurement data and officer reports.
Negotiation: Work with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties.
Court Representation: Provide strong advocacy in court if your case goes to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I go to jail for criminal speeding in Maine?
A: Yes, criminal speeding in Maine can result in up to 6 months of jail time, though this is typically reserved for repeat offenders or extreme cases1.
Q: How much does a criminal speeding ticket cost in Maine?
A: The fine for criminal speeding in Maine can be up to $1,000, not including additional court fees or increased insurance costs.
Q: Will I lose my license for criminal speeding in Maine?
A: A criminal speeding conviction in Maine can result in a license suspension of over 30 days1\.
If you’re facing criminal speeding charges in Maine, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal representation. John Webb’s proven track record and deep understanding of Maine’s traffic laws make him an ideal advocate for your case. Don’t let a criminal speeding charge derail your future. Contact John Webb today for a consultation and start building your defense strategy.
Administrative Penalties for Criminal Speeding in Maine?
Criminal speeding in Maine carries several administrative penalties imposed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), in addition to the criminal penalties imposed by the court. The key administrative penalties include:
License Suspension
A conviction for criminal speeding in Maine results in an automatic license suspension of at least 30 days imposed by the BMV. The exact length of the suspension may be longer depending on factors like the driver’s record and the specifics of the offense.
Points on Driving Record
Criminal speeding adds points to a driver’s record in Maine’s point system. Getting too many points can lead to additional license suspensions or other penalties.
Insurance Rate Increases
While not directly imposed by the BMV, a criminal speeding conviction typically leads to significant increases in auto insurance premiums. Rates can rise by 20% or more following a conviction.
Habitual Offender Status
Multiple criminal speeding convictions within a certain timeframe can result in the BMV classifying a driver as a habitual offender. This can lead to a longer license revocation period.
Additional Considerations
The administrative penalties are applied separately from and in addition to any criminal penalties imposed by the court, such as fines or jail time.
These administrative consequences can have long-lasting effects on a person’s ability to drive legally and affordably in Maine.
Drivers facing criminal speeding charges should consider consulting with an experienced traffic attorney to understand the full range of potential penalties and explore options for mitigating them.
It’s important to note that criminal speeding is treated much more seriously than standard speeding infractions in Maine, with more severe and lasting administrative consequences.
Exceptions to the 30 MPH Over the Limit Rule for Criminal Speeding
Based on the information provided in the search results, there do not appear to be any explicit exceptions to the 30 mph over the limit rule for criminal speeding in Maine. The law is straightforward in defining criminal speeding as operating a motor vehicle at a speed that exceeds the maximum rate of speed by 30 miles per hour or more.
There may be potential defenses that could challenge the evidence and police officer’s testimony, such as:
Improper posting of speed limits
Inaccurate speed measurement because of faulty or improper equipmentr use
The law allows authorities to measure speed using radar, laser, or math. These methods calculate speed based on distance traveled over time.
The authorities do not consider the alleged actual speed a material element of the offense. This means that if authorities accuse a driver of speeding, the driver can still face conviction. This is true even if they were not going as fast as claimed, as long as they were over the 30 mph limit.
In Maine, factors like road conditions, weather, or emergencies are not exceptions to the criminal speeding law. This is different from some other places that may consider these situations.
Remember that there are no clear exceptions. However, each case is unique. Different circumstances can change how courts apply or understand the law.
Call the Webb Law Firm in Saco and Portland at (207) 283-6400 and speak directly with a traffic ticket attorney. The sooner you call the better chance of a more favorable outcome in court.