Getting charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Maine can have devastating financial consequences. If you’re facing OUI charges, consulting with a Portland ME DUI lawyer is crucial to understand your options and potentially reduce these costs through a Maine OUI plea bargain. Let’s break down the real financial impact of an OUI conviction in Maine.
How to Get Out of an OUI in Maine
Understanding what is criminal OUI in Maine is the first step in fighting the charges. Maine law defines OUI as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A skilled defense attorney can challenge these charges by questioning field sobriety tests, challenging breath test accuracy, examining police procedures, and investigating equipment calibration. Many cases have technical or procedural issues that could lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
What Is the Penalty for OUI in Maine?
Maine OUI penalties can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of potential first-offense costs:
- Fines: $500 to $2,000
- License reinstatement fees: $50-150
- Court costs: $100-300
- Mandatory DEEP evaluation: $300
- Treatment program fees: $300-600
- Insurance premium increases: $2,000-3,000 annually
- Installation of ignition interlock device: $100-200
- Monthly monitoring fees: $75-100
Is an OUI a Criminal Offense?
Many people wonder “Is an OUI a felony in Maine?” The answer depends on several factors. First offenses are typically misdemeanors, but certain circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony. These aggravating factors can include prior convictions, accidents causing serious injury, or driving with minors in the vehicle. The distinction between a misdemeanor and felony charge significantly impacts both immediate penalties and long-term consequences.
What Happens If You Get an OUI?
An Aggravated OUI Maine charge carries severe consequences that can affect your life for years to come:
- Mandatory jail time
- Felony record affecting employment
- Extended license suspension
- Higher fines and fees
- Mandatory substance abuse treatment
- Travel restrictions
- Professional license implications
Don’t Face These Costs Alone
The total cost of an OUI in Maine can easily exceed $10,000 when you factor in all penalties, fees, and long-term consequences. However, working with an experienced defense attorney can help minimize these costs and protect your rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation and learn how we can help defend your case and potentially reduce your financial burden.
Beyond the immediate fines and penalties, an OUI conviction in Maine carries significant long-term financial and personal costs:
Financial Impact
The total financial burden extends far beyond the initial court fines. Insurance premium increases can reach $2,000-3,000 annually, while license reinstatement fees start at $50. The mandatory DEEP weekend program costs $300, and an ignition interlock device requires both a $150 installation fee and monthly maintenance costs between $40-100. Court surcharges typically add 20% or more to base fines.
Professional Consequences
An OUI conviction creates permanent career obstacles:
- Permanent criminal record with no expungement option
- Difficulty obtaining professional licenses
- Reduced employment opportunities
- Challenges securing loans
- Lost wages from court appearances and jail time
License and Transportation Costs
The suspension period varies dramatically based on your offense level. First offenses typically result in a 150-day suspension, while second offenses bring a 3-year suspension. Third offenses carry a 6-year suspension, and fourth offenses result in an 8-year license suspension. During these suspension periods, transportation alternatives can become a significant ongoing expense.
Additional Hidden Costs
The less obvious expenses of an OUI conviction can include:
- Potential rehabilitation program fees
- Alternative sentencing program fees ($185-500 depending on county)
- Transportation costs during license suspension
- Legal representation fees
- Mandatory substance abuse treatment
- Higher interest rates on loans
- Lost job opportunities
- Travel restrictions affecting employment
The total cost of an OUI conviction in Maine can easily exceed $10,000 when accounting for all immediate and long-term expenses, with financial impacts potentially lasting years after the conviction. Many people find themselves dealing with the financial repercussions for 5-10 years after their conviction date.
Call Maine OUI attorney John Webb today at (207) 283-6400 to secure a free lawyer consultation where you will have all of your questions answered, and hopefully you will feel better about your chances in court. John will let you know when you are scheduled to appear in court for the first time. This initial appearance is called an arraignment. At the arraignment you will be one of many defendants sitting on the benches waiting for your name to be called. John will meet you before this happens, and he will be standing next to you if the judge calls you to his bench.
Getting pulled over for drunk driving in Portland ME is a shock to most people, even if they don’t remember the encounter with police until they sober up the next day, sometimes sitting in a jail cell.