Introduction:
Speeding is one of the very common driving offenses in Maine. While it can be tempting to speed, especially when running late or looking to get somewhere fast, it is essential to consider that speeding might have serious consequences. In some instances, a speeding violation may result in a criminal conviction and even jail time. So what’re the risks connected with getting caught lawyers in portland maine? Let’s take a look.
Maine’s Speed Limits
The speed limit on roads and highways through the state of Maine is posted and enforced by local police force agencies. Generally, the maximum speed limit on residential streets is 25 miles per 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 if you go over them, you is going to be considered to be speeding regardless of 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 how far above the posted speed limit you were going. Civil violations include any speeds up to 19 mph within the posted limit while criminal violations involve speeds 20 mph or higher above the posted limit. For both kinds of violations, first-time offenders face fines ranging from $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 were involved in an incident or had any previous driving offenses), additional penalties can also apply such as for example 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 could even face jail time.
Mitigating Factors
If you do receive a speeding ticket in Maine, there are certain mitigating factors that may help lessen your punishment or keep it from learning to be a criminal offense altogether. These include proof that you had been 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 participate in traffic school; and/or lack of prior convictions/violations within past seven years.
Conclusion:
By the end of the afternoon, avoiding a criminal speeding conviction in Maine requires a mix of understanding road rules and limits as well as being mindful about how quickly you are getting constantly when behind the wheel. If you do get facing prices for excessive speeding however, there are many steps which could help lessen your sentence including presenting mitigating evidence and taking advantage of any available programs such as for instance traffic school or driver’s education courses offered by local courts or agencies. Ultimately though every situation is exclusive so it’s vital that you consult having an attorney who understands both traffic laws and your individual circumstances before making any decisions about how exactly better to proceed with any potential legal action against you due to excessive speeding charges in Maine.