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Finding a Compassionate Lawyer in Portland Maine

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Introduction:

Speeding is one of the most common driving offenses in Maine. While it may be tempting to speed, specially when running late or hoping to get somewhere fast, it is very important to consider that speeding may have serious consequences. Sometimes, a speeding violation can lead to a criminal conviction and even jail time. So what are the risks associated with getting caught criminal speeding maine? 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. Generally speaking, the maximum speed limit on residential streets is 25 miles hourly (mph). On highways and interstates, the utmost speed limit is 65 mph but may be lower depending on road conditions. It is essential to note why these speed limits are absolute—meaning that if you go over them, you will soon be regarded as speeding regardless how faster you are getting than other vehicles on the road.

Consequences of Speeding Violations

Speeding violations are classified as either civil or criminal offenses, depending on how far above the posted speed limit you were going. Civil violations include any speeds up to 19 mph on the posted limit while criminal violations involve speeds 20 mph or older above the posted limit. For both kinds 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 were associated with an incident or had any previous driving offenses), additional penalties might 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 could even face jail time.
Mitigating Factors

If you do be given a speeding ticket in Maine, you will find certain mitigating factors that will help lessen your punishment or keep it from learning to be a criminal offense altogether. These generally 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; evidence of significant financial hardship; good driving record; willingness to be involved in traffic school; and/or lack of prior convictions/violations within past seven years.

Conclusion:

At the conclusion of the day, avoiding a criminal speeding conviction in Maine requires a combination of understanding road rules and limits as well as being mindful about how fast you are getting at all times when behind the wheel. Should you choose get facing costs for excessive speeding however, there are numerous steps which can help lessen your sentence including presenting mitigating evidence and taking advantage of any available programs such as 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 generally making any decisions about how exactly better to proceed with any potential legal action against you because of excessive speeding charges in Maine.