Introduction:
Speeding is one of the very most common driving offenses in Maine. While it may be tempting to speed, especially when running late or hoping to get somewhere fast, it is very important to remember that speeding can have serious consequences. In some cases, a speeding violation may result in a criminal conviction and even jail time. So what are the risks connected with getting caught portland maine criminal defense lawyers? Let’s have a look.
Maine’s Speed Limits
The speed limit on roads and highways through the entire state of Maine is posted and enforced by local law enforcement agencies. In general, the utmost speed limit on residential streets is 25 miles each hour (mph). On highways and interstates, the most speed limit is 65 mph but may be lower according to road conditions. It is very important to see that these speed limits are absolute—meaning that should you go over them, you will soon be regarded as being speeding it doesn’t matter how much faster you are going than other vehicles on the road.
Consequences of Speeding Violations
Speeding violations are classified as either civil or criminal offenses, depending on what far above the posted speed limit you were going. Civil violations include any speeds as much as 19 mph over the posted limit while criminal violations involve speeds 20 mph or maybe more above the posted limit. For both forms of violations, first-time offenders face fines including $50-$1000 and points being added for their license (1-3 points for civil violations; 2-6 points for criminal convictions). Depending on your own driving record and other mitigating factors (such as whether you had been involved with an incident or had any previous driving offenses), additional penalties could also apply such as license suspension or revocation, mandatory driver’s education classes, community service hours, probation, etc. Additionally, if your violation was particularly egregious (e.g., exceeding 90 mph), you may even face jail time.
Mitigating Factors
If you do be given a speeding ticket in Maine, you can find certain mitigating factors that can help lessen your punishment or keep it from becoming a criminal offense altogether. These include proof that you were unacquainted with your excessive speed during the time of your violation (e.g., unfamiliarity with area); evidence that mitigating circumstances were present such as for instance heavy traffic or poor weather conditions; proof of significant financial hardship; good driving record; willingness to take part in traffic school; and/or not enough prior convictions/violations within past seven years.
Conclusion:
At the end of your day, avoiding a criminal speeding conviction in Maine requires a mix of understanding road rules and limits as well as being mindful about how fast you are going all the time when behind the wheel. Should you get facing prices for excessive speeding however, there are many steps that may help lower your sentence including presenting mitigating evidence and benefiting from any available programs such as for example traffic school or driver’s education courses provided by local courts or agencies. Ultimately though every situation is unique so it’s crucial that you consult having an attorney who understands both traffic laws and your individual circumstances before generally making any decisions about how exactly best to proceed with any potential legal action against you because of excessive speeding charges in Maine.