Portland Maine OUI Defined

Operating Under the Influence (OUI)
In Maine, if a Judge or Jury finds you operated a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more OR you operated a motor vehicle while impaired to the slightest degree, you are guilty of a criminal offense known as Operating Under the Influence (OUI). You can also be charged with OUI if you are operating or attempting to operate your vehicle while under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs.

Following your arrest, based solely on the police report and blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, the Secretary of State will suspend your license unless you request a hearing within ten (10) days of the date of suspension. This suspension usually takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you're waiting for your day in court, you won't be driving.

It is important to understand that the administrative and criminal penalties are like two sides of the same coin. That means you will need to deal with the Secretary of State and BMV who will seek to suspend your driver’s license or privileges administratively and the court system that has the power to impose fines, jail sentences and additional suspensions. If you are convicted of an OUI and hold an out of state driver’s license, your privileges to drive in the state of Maine will be suspended and Maine will notify your home state which may in turn suspend your actual license.