how much lawyer for oui in portland, me

That’s why we offer customized flat fee OUI representation, with rates starting at $2,000.00. Every OUI arrest is different with many different sets of circumstances. We will work with you so you understand what services are necessary to present the best defense possible, and so you know upfront what you can expect to pay.

Full Answer

How much does a DUI cost in Maine?

Minimum Court Imposed Penalties for OUI (Penalties No Less Than)OffenseSuspensionFine1st no aggravating factors150 days$5001st w/aggravating factors*150 days$5001st (refusal)**275 days$6002nd***3 years$7005 more rows

How do I hire the best DUI lawyer?

10 Tips For Hiring the Best DUI Lawyer in 2021Be Honest With Yourself About Your Circumstances.Do Not Try To Represent Yourself.Think Twice About Public Defenders.Start Forming Your List Of Potential Candidates.Take Advantage Of Free Consultations.Always Tell The Truth.More items...•Apr 13, 2021

Is Oui a misdemeanor in Maine?

An OUI first offense is a misdemeanor crime almost every time, but there are exceptions that can bump even a first OUI into a felony case. Driving under the influence (DUI) and OUI (operating under the influence) are the same OUI drunk driving or drugged driving crime.Dec 11, 2017

How much is the best attorney?

Attorney fees typically range from $100 to $300 per hour based on experience and specialization. Costs start at $100 per hour for new attorneys, but standard attorney fees for an expert lawyer to handle a complex case can average $225 an hour or more.

What is a DUI attorney?

A DUI lawyer is an attorney who devotes all or most of their practice to drunk driving, drugged driving, and related cases. DUI is a subset of criminal defense, so any qualified defense attorney can be used. However, these cases are complex enough that some lawyers specialize in DUI defense.

What is an attorney called?

A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today's lawyer can be young or old, male or female. Nearly one-third of all lawyers are under thirty-five years old.Sep 10, 2019

How long does an OUI stay on your record in Maine?

How long does a DUI stay on your driving record?StateOn record forPoint lengthMaineFor life1 yearMaryland5 years3 yearsMassachusetts10 years6 yearsMichigan7 years2 years46 more rows•Dec 17, 2020

Is OUI in Maine a felony?

OUI charges only become felonies under specific circumstances. Specifically, state law upgrades an OUI charge to a felony depending on the number of prior convictions a person has. For first and second-time OUI offenders, their charges are Class D offenses.

What is the penalty for OUI in Maine?

A first offense OUI is a Class D crime, subject to a maximum jail sentence of 364 days in jail, and a maximum fine of $2,000. The mandatory minimum penalties are as follows: A mandatory minimum fine of $500, and a 150-day loss of license.Mar 12, 2018

How much does a lawyer cost per hour?

What are Typical Attorney Fees. Throughout the United States, typical attorney fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization.Aug 17, 2021

What is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

A retainer fee commonly refers to the upfront cost of a contract for professional services, such as with a consultant, freelancer or a lawyer. You put down a deposit, which the service provider will use to cover any costs involved in their legal services.May 23, 2019

How much do the most expensive lawyers cost?

Topping the list of the country's most expensive lawyers is Kirkland & Ellis partner Kirk Radke. The private equity and corporate counsel bills $1,250 per hour. The big billers tend to cluster in finance-related practices.Oct 4, 2017

Maine OUI Court Costs

A first offense OUI is a Class D crime, which has a maximum jail sentence of 364 days, and a maximum fine of $2,000. The mandatory minimum penalties are a fine of $500, plus court fees. Court costs often change due to added surcharges which are 20% or more of the actual fine amount, therefore the $500 fine really ends up being closer to $650.

Alternative Sentencing in OUI Cases

Maine has an alternative to serving jail time called the alternative sentencing program. If you qualify, fees vary based on county and number of offenses. The chart outlining the fees is shown below:

Cost of Rehab, Community Service, and Out of State Fees

Every case is unique and may have other hidden costs. For example, some people may have to enter a rehab program or do community service. These fees will vary based on the program and if insurance will be applied. Other fees could be in play if you are not a Maine resident and your home state takes action against you.

Cost of an Attorney

A standard OUI attorney fee can not be listed because every case is unique, and every attorney is different.

How long can a driver's license be suspended in Maine?

Even if the State does not charge OUI or later dismisses the case, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles can still issue this “administrative suspension.” The BMV can suspend a driver’s license for at least 150 days if there is enough evidence to show that, more likely than not, the driver operated a motor vehicle with an alcohol level of .08 or more or while Under the Influence of Drugs confirmed in the driver’s system.

Is OUI a misdemeanor in Maine?

OUI is most commonly charged as a class D misdemeanor but prior offenses can elevate the charge to a class C felony. In Cumberland County Maine, DUI is processed just like any other criminal case. Cumberland County no longer has a distinction between district and Superior Court for criminal matters. All criminal cases are processed through the Unified Criminal Docket or UCD. This means that the defense no longer needs to transfer the case to superior court for a jury on a misdemeanor OUI. Jury trials are now automatic in all Cumberland County criminal cases unless the defendant chooses to have a single judge hear the case.

What Are the OUI Laws in Maine?

OUI in Maine occurs when you operate or attempt to operate a vehicle under the following conditions:

What are the Penalties for an OUI in Maine?

A first-offense OUI carries penalties of up to a year in jail, fines ranging from $500 to $2,000, and a license suspension of 150 days. If you were involved in an accident that resulted in the serious bodily injury or death of another, you will face increased penalties.

Is OUI a Felony in Maine?

Subsequent OUI convictions will also result in increased penalties with a third conviction being charged as a Class C felony. Furthermore, second or subsequent convictions will lead to the necessity of completing a drug or alcohol program. The Penalties for a third conviction/felony conviction are the following:

Can You Get an OUI Expunged in Maine?

In Maine, you can not get an OUI expunged. Since Maine no longer allows for the expungement of criminal records, the only option for individuals with certain criminal convictions on their record is to petition the Governor for Executive Clemency.

Why Should I Choose Zerillo Law Firm?

Our Portland OUI defense lawyers are well-versed in all of the available issues to review in building your defense.

Nichols & Churchill, P.A

Providing legal representation for criminal defense, drunk-driving, personal injury, employment discrimination and sexual harassment.

Hallett Whipple Weyrens

When you have a serious injury, criminal defense, family law or business litigation matter anywhere in Maine, we are your Legal Team.

Law Offices of Peter J. Cyr

We represent individuals in all State and Federal Courts throughout Maine and Massachusetts

Nichols & Churchill, P.A

Providing legal representation for criminal defense, drunk-driving, personal injury, employment discrimination and sexual harassment.

Elias Law Offices

Criminal Defense. Civil Litigation. Injury Law. Real Estate Issues. No Charge for Initial Telephone Consultation.

Jens-Peter W. Bergen, Esq

20 yrs zealously & successfully representing clients:Contract & Land Litigation, Injury & Family Law

Webb Law Firm

Webb Law Firm is an experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm that focuses heavily on crimes involving alcohol and drugs

Maine OUI and DUI Law

Maine OUI (operating under the influence) arrests can be made for blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of over .08%, prescription and over the counter medications, narcotics, hallucinogens, marijuana and stimulants. Additionally, OUI arrests can be made without a BAC test based on the field observations of any arresting officer.

For a free consultation about your drunk driving charges, contact our OUI attorneys today

We are located in Westbrook, ME, and proudly help clients in Augusta, Portland, Lewiston, South Portland, Bath, Brunswick, Bangor, Biddeford, Saco, Sanford, Belfast, Waterville, and beyond.

How much does a DUI attorney charge per hour?

The first option is hourly, which typically costs an average of $300 per hour. Depending on the lawyer and location, you may pay $200 to $500 per hour. The key advantage here is that if your case is resolved quickly, you will not overpay. You will only be billed the short time period in which the DUI attorney worked on your case.

How much does a DUI lawyer charge?

Your attorney fees will depend if you accept a plea or take your case to trial. DUI lawyers charge $700 to $1,500 when accepting a plea, and $1,500 to $4,000 when going to trial.

How much does an ignition interlock cost?

This machine will cost around $100 to install, in addition to a monthly fee that ranges for $60 to $80. The length of time you're required to keep this device in your car will depend on where you live as well as your conviction.

How much is a DUI fine in Florida?

For example, in Florida, a standard first-offense DUI carries an average fine between $500 and $1,000. However, if your blood alcohol concentration is above .15% or a passenger under the age of 18 was present in the vehicle, you will face a fine closer to $2,000.

How much does a flat rate attorney cost?

In comparison, a flat rate is a fee that covers the entire course of your case. Depending on your circumstances, expect to pay around $3,000 in flat rate attorney fees with most offering a payment plan.

How much does it cost to get your license reinstated after a DUI?

Once you are eligible to reinstate your license, this fee depends on your state. For example, in California, this fee is $125, and in Washington, this fee is $150.

How much does a public defender cost?

Those who are represented by a public defender tend to spend an average of $5,500 on their case, including between $700 and $800 on DUI lawyer fees. However, the cost of a public defender significantly ranges depending on numerous factors, including the state in which you reside. For example, in California, defendants are required to pay an upfront registration fee of $50.