Can I Move Out Of State To Avoid DUI Charge
Can I Move Out Of State To Avoid DUI Charge
Reader’s Question:
I recently received a second DUI in Portland, Maine. I am going to lose my license for a year. Is there a state where I can move to and try to get a license?
Helen
Portland, ME
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws concerning DUI and DWI. In all 50 states including Maine a DUI is a serious violation with hefty penalties such as jail time, loss of driver’s license, fines, etc. Most states are also part of the Driver’s License Agreement- meaning they share their DMV records with each other so the drunk driving charge would follow you if you move to a different state.
There are certain states which permit violators to drive cars that are equipped with ignition interlocks. This ignition interlocks analyzes the driver’s breath and will disable the ignition if it determines the motorist has been drinking. With this being your 2nd offense I would recommend getting legal advice to check if there is anyway in which you could not lose your license. If you are moving check with an attorney in the state you are moving to.