If you are arrested for an OUI in Maine, it is important to learn some of the basic terminology so you understand what's going on. You should also contact and experienced OUI attorney as soon as possible as they can help fight for your rights.

1. With so much terminology out there, knowing your rights and what you are up against can be very difficult.
This glossary will help you to determine what is happening:
BAC (Blood Alcohol Content): A measurement used to
determine how much alcohol is in your blood. For Maine, the
BAC threshold for those of legal drinking age is .08%. Anyone
under 21 has a zero tolerance rule.
Breathalyzer/Intoxilyzer: An instrument used to measure
BAC.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Driving a motor vehicle
while affected and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired): This is the most widely used term in the U.S. for being
under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving.
Implied Consent: When you receive a Maine driver’s license, you are agreeing to submit to a chemical
(breath, blood, etc.) test whenever requested due to probable cause. If you refuse, your driver’s license will
be suspended immediately, and if found guilty, could result in harsher penalties.
OUI (Operating Under the Influence): This is the most common abbreviation in Maine for someone who is
under the influence and operating a motor vehicle of any kind, including boats, snowmobiles, tractors, etc.
Sobriety Tests: Field tests given to someone suspected of OUI. In Maine, the three standardized tests are
the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the one leg stand, and the walk-and-turn.
Experienced OUI Attorney Who Can Help If You’ve Been Arrested
With the experience and qualifications to provide you with the effective legal defense you need, Criminal
Defense Attorney Matthew Nichols has successfully defended some of the toughest OUI cases in both state
and federal courts. A veteran trial attorney with 28 years of experience (including major criminal charges like
homicide), he also presents Drunk Driving Defense class to the Maine Bar.
Successful Case Results
Unreliable OUI Test
Faced with the loss of two professional licenses if convicted, client was stopped for speeding. Although he
smelled of intoxicants, he denied drinking and did well on the field sobriety tests, but blew a test result over
the legal limit. Client rejected a plea offer and the defense called Dr. Carolyn Howard and the state’s
chemist to verify the unreliability of the test result. He was acquitted based partially on the failure of police to
properly administer his breath test.

2. Admitted Drinking OUI Case
Stopped for erratic operation in the Old Port, according to 20-year veteran arresting Sergeant, client
admitted to driving drunk, failed all field sobriety tests badly and changed his drink history. Client and his
dentist testified he had mouth alcohol contamination due to third stage chronic periodontal disease, and
also called Dr. Carolyn Howard to confirm that the Intoxilyzer results were consistent with mouth alcohol
contamination. Case was dismissed.
* Disclaimer: Every case is different, and past success does not guarantee future results.
Testimonials
“Matt was the ultimate professional. I would recommend him. He kept me informed on all that was going on
at all times. He filled me in on how everything was going to take place, and what my options were at all
times. I am not from Maine and not only did he keep me updated on what to expect in Maine, but also what
to expect in my home state. He arranged it so I did not have to appear at my first hearing. The bottom line is
that while I pleaded guilty, it was to the lesser charge of driving to endanger and not D.U.I.”
“I went to Mr. Nichols in search of someone that had the most obvious depth in knowledge of DUI cases. I
felt as though he was friendly but informative. Although, in my particular case I had nothing much in my
favor to get away with my actions, Mr. Nichols was able to get me the best possible outcome and avoid a
much harsher punishment to which I am grateful. He has experience and knowledge and is prompt and
thorough. He gets results.”
For More Information Please Visit:
http://www.nicholschurchill.com/practice-areas/maine-drunk-driving/