Southern Maine Criminal Lawyer BlogClients 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.