Southern Maine Criminal Lawyer Blog

The second big change in Maine DUI laws was changing when an OUI becomes a felony.

It used to be that a fourth DUI in ten years was a felony.  Now a third offense in ten years is a felony.  The maximum penalty jumps from 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Felony convictions also affect civil rights and jobs.  A felon cannot serve in the military.  In many states a felon cannot vote or hold political office.  Many employers will not hire felons.  Before we take away these rights we better be very sure the person should be a felon.