Operating Under the Influence or OUI charges: What can a Lawyer do?

The "Walk & Turn" is one of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

In order to convict someone of a crime, the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond all reasonable doubt. In Maine, a person is guilty of Operating Under the Influence if they operate a motor vehicle at a time when they are impaired by intoxicants, or when their alcohol level is .08 or higher. Proving a criminal case is a lot of work and the prosecution would really like it if you made their job easier by pleading guilty at your first court appearance. Understand that you are not obligated to do this and that by pleading guilty, you are giving up your right to investigate and contest all aspects of your case. Here is a brief explanation or some of the basic issues that might arise in an OUI case: