I have been charged with an OUI in Maine. What is likely to happen now?
Two different state agencies will start to work to penalize you. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will probably send you a notice of license suspension. You have only ten days from the suspension date to appeal the suspension. This appeal is important because a BMV suspension remains in effect even if you eventually win in court. Meanwhile, the District Attorney will begin prosecuting you. When you show up in court on the date on your ticket or bail papers, you will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty you will be sentenced at that time and you will lose your license then and there. If you plead not guilty the matter is set for trial. You have only a limited time, usually 21 days, in which to file motions challenging the evidence or to request a jury trial.
