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USA Statutes : maine
Title : Title 12. CONSERVATION
Chapter : Chapter 911. HUNTING AND OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (HEADING. PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff))
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Title 12 - §10701. Hunting under the influence; operating watercraft, snowmobile or ATV under the influence
Title 12: CONSERVATION Part 13: INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) Subpart 3: LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GENERAL OFFENSES (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) Chapter 911: HUNTING AND OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) §10701. Hunting under the influence; operating watercraft, snowmobile or ATV under the influence
1. Prohibition.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §73 (rp); §422 (aff).]
1-A. Prohibition. Prohibitions against hunting and operating under the influence are as follows.
A. A person may not hunt wild animals or wild birds:
(1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs;
(2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in that person's blood; or
(3) If less than 21 years of age, while having any amount of alcohol in that person's blood.
[2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §74 (new); §422 (aff).]
B. A person may not operate or attempt to operate a watercraft:
(1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs;
(2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in that person's blood; or
(3) If less than 21 years of age, while having any amount of alcohol in the blood.
[2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §74 (new); §422 (aff).]
C. A person may not operate or attempt to operate a snowmobile:
(1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs;
(2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in that person's blood; or
(3) If less than 21 years of age, while having any amount of alcohol in the blood.
[2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §74 (new); §422 (aff).]
D. A person may not operate or attempt to operate an ATV:
(1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs;
(2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in that person's blood; or
(3) If less than 21 years of age, while having any amount of alcohol in the blood.
[2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §74 (new); §422 (aff).]
[2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §74 (new); §422 (aff).]
2. Possession of hunting equipment while intoxicated. The possession of hunting equipment in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice in the State by a person while under
the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs is prima facie evidence that the possessor is in violation of subsection 1-A,
paragraph A.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (amd); §422 (aff).]
3. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime. In determining an appropriate sentence, refusal to submit to
a chemical test must in every case be an aggravating factor. In the following cases the following minimum penalties apply.
A. In the case of a person having no previous convictions of a violation of subsection 1-A within the previous 6-year period,
the fine may not be less than $400. If that person was adjudicated within the previous 6-year period for failure to comply
with the duty to submit to and complete a blood-alcohol test under section 10702, subsection 1, the fine may not be less than
$500. A conviction under this paragraph must include a period of incarceration of not less than 48 hours, none of which may
be suspended, when the person:
(1) Was tested as having a blood-alcohol level of 0.15% or more;
(2) Failed or refused to stop upon request or signal of an officer in uniform, pursuant to section 6953 or 10651, during
the operation that resulted in prosecution for operating under the influence or with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or more;
or
(3) Failed to submit to a chemical test to determine that person's blood-alcohol level or drug concentration, requested
by a law enforcement officer on the occasion that resulted in the conviction.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (amd); §422 (aff).]
B. In the case of a person having one previous conviction of a violation of subsection 1-A within the previous 6-year period,
the fine may not be less than $600. If that person was adjudicated within the previous 6-year period for failure to comply
with the duty to submit to and complete a blood-alcohol or drug concentration test under section 10702, subsection 1, the
fine may not be less than $800. A conviction under this paragraph must include a period of incarceration of not less than
7 days, none of which may be suspended.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (amd); §422 (aff).]
C. In the case of a person having 2 or more previous convictions of violations of subsection 1-A within the previous 6-year
period, the fine may not be less than $1,000. If that person was adjudicated within the previous 6-year period for failure
to comply with the duty to submit to and complete a blood-alcohol or drug concentration test under section 10702, subsection
1, the fine may not be less than $1,300. A conviction under this paragraph must include a period of incarceration of not
less than 30 days, none of which may be suspended.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (amd); §422 (aff).]
D. In addition to the penalties provided under paragraphs A to C, the court may order the defendant to participate in the alcohol
and other drug education, evaluation and treatment programs for multiple offenders administered by the Department of Health
and Human Services, Office of Substance Abuse, as established in Title 5, chapter 521.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
E. The penalties provided under paragraphs B, C and D may not be suspended by the court.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
F. If the State pleads and proves that, while hunting or operating a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or watercraft in violation
of this section, the defendant in fact caused serious bodily injury as defined in Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 23, to
another person or in fact caused the death of another person, the sentencing class for the offenses in subsection 1-A is Class
C. The minimum penalties specified in this subsection apply, unless a longer minimum period otherwise applies.
[2003,c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (amd); §422 (aff).]
Any alternatives defined in subsection 1-A may be pleaded in the alternative. The State may, but is not required to, elect
an alternative prior to submission to the fact finder.
For purposes of this subsection, a prior conviction has occurred within the 6-year period if the date of docket entry by the
clerk of a judgment of conviction or adjudication is 6 years or less from the date of the new conduct that is penalized or
for which the penalty is or may be enhanced.
In determining the appropriate sentence, the court shall consider the defendant's record of convictions for hunting under
the influence or operating a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or watercraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor
or drugs and for failure to comply with the duty to submit. The court may rely upon oral representations based on records
maintained by the courts, by the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification; by the Secretary of State, including
telecommunications of records maintained by the Secretary of State; or by the department. If the defendant disputes the accuracy
of any representation concerning a conviction or adjudication, the court shall grant a continuance for the purposes of determining
the accuracy of the record.
References in this Title to this subsection are deemed to refer to the juvenile crime stated in Title 15, section 3103, subsection
1, paragraph E and to the disposition, including a suspension, for that juvenile crime as provided in Title 15, section 3314,
subsection 3, except as otherwise provided or when the context clearly requires otherwise.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (amd); §422 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
The Revisor's Office cannot provide legal advice or
interpretation of Maine law to the public. If you need legal
advice, please consult
a qualified attorney. Office of the Revisor of Statutes 7 State House Station
State House Room 108
Augusta, Maine 04333-0007Title 12 - §10702. Chemical tests
Title 12: CONSERVATION Part 13: INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) Subpart 3: LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GENERAL OFFENSES (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) Chapter 911: HUNTING AND OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) §10702. Chemical tests
1. Duty to submit. A person who hunts wild animals or wild birds or operates or attempts to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV within
this State has a duty to submit to a test to determine that person's blood-alcohol level or drug concentration by analysis
of blood, breath or urine if there is probable cause to believe that the person is hunting wild animals or wild birds or operating
or attempting to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The duty
to submit to a blood-alcohol or drug concentration test includes the duty to complete either a blood, breath or urine test
or any combination of those tests. Tests and procedures for determining whether a person is under the influence of intoxicating
liquor or drugs are governed by section 10703.
A.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rp); §422 (aff).]
B.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rp); §422 (aff).]
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rpr); §422 (aff).]
2. Failure to comply with duty to submit. A person shall submit to and complete a blood-alcohol or drug concentration test, or both, when requested to do so by a
law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the person hunted or operated or attempted to operate a watercraft,
snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
A.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rp); §422 (aff).]
B.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rp); §422 (aff).]
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rpr); §422 (aff).]
3. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of up to $500 may be adjudged.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (rpr); §422 (aff).]
The Revisor's Office cannot provide legal advice or
interpretation of Maine law to the public. If you need legal
advice, please consult
a qualified attorney. Office of the Revisor of Statutes 7 State House Station
State House Room 108
Augusta, Maine 04333-0007Title 12 - §10703. Administering chemical tests; test results; evidence; reporting; immunity
Title 12: CONSERVATION Part 13: INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) Subpart 3: LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GENERAL OFFENSES (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) Chapter 911: HUNTING AND OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (HEADING: PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, @2 (new); Pt. D, @7 (aff); c. 614, @9 (aff)) §10703. Administering chemical tests; test results; evidence; reporting; immunity
1. Blood or breath test. If the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe a person hunted wild animals or wild birds or operated or attempted
to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, then the officer shall inform
the person that a breath test will be administered, unless, in the determination of the officer, it is unreasonable for a
breath test to be administered, in which case a blood test must be administered. When a blood test is required, the test
may be administered by a physician of the accused's choice, at the request of the accused and if reasonably available. The
law enforcement officer may determine which type of breath test, as described in subsection 5, will be administered.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
2. Prerequisites to tests. Before any test is given, the law enforcement officer shall inform the person to be tested of the consequences of refusing
to comply with the test. If the person fails to comply with the duty to submit to and complete the requested chemical tests
at the direction of the law enforcement officer, that person is committing a civil violation for which the person may be required
to pay a fine of up to $500. The officer shall also inform the person that the failure to comply with the duty to submit
to a chemical test is admissible in evidence against that person at any trial for hunting or operating under the influence
of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs.
Test results may not be excluded as evidence in any proceeding before any administrative officer or court of this State as
a result of the failure of the law enforcement officer to comply with these prerequisites. The only effects of the failure
of the officer to comply with the prerequisites are as provided in subsection 7.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §77 (amd); §422 (aff).]
3. Results of test. Upon the request of the person who submits to a chemical test or tests at the request of a law enforcement officer, full
information concerning the test or tests must be made available to that person or that person's attorney by the law enforcement
officer.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
4. Blood-alcohol level. The following percentages by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood have the following evidentiary effect.
A. If there was, at the time alleged, 0.05% or less by weight of alcohol in the blood of a defendant who was 21 years of age
or older at the time of arrest, it is prima facie evidence that the defendant was not under the influence of intoxicating
liquor.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
B. If there was, at the time alleged, in excess of 0.05% but less than 0.08% by weight of alcohol in the blood of a defendant
who was 21 years of age or older at the time of the arrest, it is relevant evidence, but it is not to be given prima facie
effect in indicating whether or not the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor within the meaning of this
section, but that fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether or not the defendant was under
the influence of intoxicating liquor.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
C. For purposes of evidence in proceedings other than those arising under section 10701, subsection 1-A, it is presumed that
a person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor when that person has:
(1) For a person 21 years of age or older, a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or more by weight; and
(2) For a person less than 21 years of age, any amount of alcohol in the blood.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §78 (amd); §422 (aff).]
D. Percent by weight of alcohol in the blood is based upon grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §78 (amd); §422 (aff).]
5. Administration of tests. Persons conducting analyses of blood, breath or urine for the purpose of determining the blood-alcohol level or drug concentration
must be certified for each purpose by the Department of Health and Human Services under certification standards set by that
department.
A. Only a duly licensed physician, registered physician's assistant, registered nurse or a person certified by the Department
of Health and Human Services under certification standards set by that department, acting at the request of a law enforcement
officer, may draw a specimen of blood to determine the blood-alcohol level or drug concentration of a person who is complying
with the duty to submit to a chemical test. This limitation does not apply to the taking of breath or urine specimens. When
a person draws a specimen of blood at the request of a law enforcement officer, that person may issue a certificate that states
that the person is in fact a duly licensed or certified person as required by this subsection and that the person followed
the proper procedure for drawing a specimen of blood to determine the blood-alcohol level or drug concentration. That certificate,
when duly signed and sworn to by the person, is admissible as evidence in any court of the State. It is prima facie evidence
that the person was duly licensed or certified and that the person followed the proper procedure for drawing a specimen of
blood for chemical testing, unless, with 10 days' written notice to the prosecution, the defendant requests that the person
testify as to licensure or certification, or the procedure for drawing the specimen of blood.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
B. A law enforcement officer may take a sample specimen of the breath or urine of any person whom the officer has probable
cause to believe hunted wild animals or wild birds or operated or attempted to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while
under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and who is complying with the duty to submit to and complete a chemical
test. The sample specimen must be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services or a person certified by the Department
of Health and Human Services for the purpose of conducting chemical tests of the sample specimen to determine the blood-alcohol
level or drug concentration of that sample.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
C. Only equipment approved by the Department of Health and Human Services may be used by a law enforcement officer to take
a sample specimen of the defendant's breath or urine for submission to the Department of Health and Human Services or a person
certified by the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of conducting tests of the sample specimen to determine
the blood-alcohol level or drug concentration of that sample. Approved equipment must have a stamp of approval affixed by
the Department of Health and Human Services. Evidence that the equipment was in a sealed carton bearing the stamp of approval
must be accepted in court as prima facie evidence that the equipment was approved by the Department of Health and Human Services
for use by the law enforcement officer to take the sample specimen of the defendant's breath or urine.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
D. As an alternative to the method of breath testing described in this subsection, a law enforcement officer may test the breath
of any person whom the officer has probable cause to believe hunted wild birds or wild animals or operated or attempted to
operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, by use of a self-contained, breath-alcohol
testing apparatus to determine the blood-alcohol level, provided the testing apparatus is reasonably available. The procedures
for the operation and testing of self-contained, breath-alcohol testing apparatuses must be as provided by rule adopted by
the Department of Health and Human Services. The result of any such test must be accepted as prima facie evidence of the
blood-alcohol level in any court.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
E. Approved self-contained, breath-alcohol testing apparatuses must have a stamp of approval affixed by the Department of Health
and Human Services after periodic testing. That stamp of approval is valid for a limited period of no more than one year.
Testimony or other evidence that the equipment was bearing the stamp of approval must be accepted in court as prima facie
evidence that the equipment was approved by the Department of Health and Human Services for use by the law enforcement officer
to collect and analyze a sample specimen of the defendant's breath.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
F. Failure to comply with any provision of this subsection or with any rule adopted under this subsection does not, by itself,
result in the exclusion of evidence of blood-alcohol level or drug concentration, unless the evidence is determined to be
not sufficiently reliable.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
G. Testimony or other evidence that any materials used in operating or checking the operation of the equipment were bearing
a statement of the manufacturer or of the Department of Health and Human Services must be accepted in court as prima facie
evidence that the materials were of a composition and quality as stated.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
H. A person certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, under certification standards set by the academy, as qualified
to operate approved self-contained, breath-alcohol testing apparatuses may operate those apparatuses to collect and analyze
a sample specimen of a defendant's breath.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
6. Liability. A physician, physician's assistant, registered nurse, person certified by the Department of Health and Human Services or
hospital or other health care provider in the exercise of due care is not liable in damages or otherwise for any act done
or omitted in performing the act of collecting or withdrawing specimens of blood at the request of a law enforcement officer
pursuant to this section.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
7. Evidence. The percentage by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood at the time alleged and the concentration of drugs at the time
alleged, as shown by the chemical analysis of the defendant's blood, breath or urine or by any test authorized by subsection
5 is admissible in evidence.
A. When a person certified under subsection 5 conducts a chemical analysis of blood, breath or urine to determine blood-alcohol
level or drug concentration, the person may issue a certificate stating the results of the analysis. That certificate, when
duly signed and sworn to by the certified person, is admissible in evidence in any court of the State. It is prima facie
evidence that the person taking a specimen of blood or urine was a person authorized by subsection 5; that the equipment,
chemicals and other materials used in the taking of the blood or urine specimen or a breath sample were of a quality appropriate
for the purpose of producing reliable test results; that any equipment, chemicals or materials required by subsection 5 to
be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services were in fact approved; that the sample tested by the person certified
under subsection 5 was in fact the same sample taken from the defendant; and that the drug concentration or percentage by
weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood was, at the time the blood, breath or urine sample was taken, as stated in the
certificate, unless with 10 days' written notice to the prosecution, the defendant requests that a qualified witness testify
as to any of the matters as to which the certificate constitutes prima facie evidence. The notice must specify those matters
concerning which the defendant requests testimony.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
B. A person certified under subsection 5 as qualified to operate a self-contained, breath-alcohol testing apparatus to determine
the blood-alcohol level may issue a certificate stating the results of the analysis. That certificate, when duly signed and
sworn to by the certified person, is admissible in evidence in any court of the State. It is prima facie evidence that the
percentage by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood was, at the time the breath sample was taken, as stated in the certificate,
unless, with 10 days' written notice to the prosecution, the defendant requests that the operator or other qualified witness
testify as to the results of the analysis.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
C. Transfer of sample specimens to and from a laboratory for purposes of analysis must be by certified or registered mail and,
when so made, is deemed to comply with all requirements regarding the continuity of custody of physical evidence.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
D. The failure of a person to comply with the duty to submit to and complete a chemical test under section 10702, subsection
1 is admissible in evidence on the issue of whether that person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
If the law enforcement officer having probable cause to believe that the person hunted wild animals or wild birds or operated
or attempted to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs fails to
give either of the warnings required under subsection 2, the failure of the person to comply with the duty to submit to a
chemical test is not admissible, except when a test was required pursuant to subsection 11. If a failure to submit to and
complete a chemical test is not admitted into evidence, the court may inform the jury of the fact that a test result is not
available.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
E. If a test result is not available for a reason other than a person's failure to comply with the duty to submit to and complete
a chemical test, the unavailability and the reason are admissible in evidence.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (rev).]
8. Statements by accused. Any statement by a defendant that the defendant was the operator of a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV that the defendant is
accused of operating in violation of section 10701, subsection 1-A is admissible if it was made voluntarily and is otherwise
admissible under the United States Constitution or the Constitution of Maine. The statement may constitute sufficient proof
by itself, without further proof of corpus delicti, that the watercraft, snowmobile or ATV was operated by the defendant.
Any statement by a defendant that the defendant was hunting wild animals or wild birds is admissible against a defendant
accused of hunting wild animals or wild birds in violation of section 10701, subsection 1-A if the statement was made voluntarily
and is otherwise admissible under the United States Constitution or the Constitution of Maine. The statement may constitute
sufficient proof by itself, without further proof of corpus delicti, that the defendant was hunting wild animals or wild birds.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §79 (amd); §422 (aff).]
9. Payment for tests. Persons authorized to take specimens of blood at the direction of a law enforcement officer and persons authorized to perform
chemical tests of specimens of blood or breath must be paid from the General Fund or from dedicated revenues of the department
when a law enforcement officer of the department authorizes the chemical tests. The Department of Marine Resources shall
pay for chemical tests authorized by marine patrol officers with funds available within that department.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
10. Accidents and officer's duties. The law enforcement officer has the following duties.
A. After a person has been charged with hunting wild animals or wild birds or with operating or attempting to operate a watercraft,
snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or with an excessive blood-alcohol level, the
investigating or arresting officer shall investigate to determine whether the charged person has any previous convictions
of a violation of section 10701, subsection 1-A or adjudications for failure to comply with the duty to submit to and complete
a chemical test under section 10702, subsection 1. As part of that investigation, the officer shall review the records maintained
by the courts, the State Bureau of Identification, the Secretary of State, including telecommunications of records maintained
by the Secretary of State, or the department.
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §80 (amd); §422 (aff).]
B. A law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person whom the officer has probable cause to believe hunted
any wild animal or wild bird or operated or attempted to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence
of intoxicating liquor or drugs if the arrest occurs within a period following the offense reasonably likely to result in
the obtaining of probative evidence that the person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
[2003, c. 614, §9 (aff); c. 655, Pt. B, §80 (amd); §422 (aff).]
11. Fatalities. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any person hunting wild animals or wild birds who is involved in a
hunting accident or any operator of a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV who is involved in a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV accident
that results in the death of any person must submit to and complete chemical tests to determine that person's blood-alcohol
level or other chemical use by analysis of blood, breath or urine. A law enforcement officer may determine which types of
tests will be administered. The results of tests taken pursuant to this subsection are not admissible at trial unless the
court is satisfied that probable cause exists, independent of the test results, to believe that the hunter or operator was
under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or had an excessive blood-alcohol level.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
12. Aid in enforcement among municipalities. Except as otherwise prohibited by municipal charter or ordinance, municipalities may, in the manner provided by Title 30-A,
section 2674, enter into agreements regarding mutual aid in enforcing laws governing the hunting of wild animals or wild birds
while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or the operation of a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under
the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
13. Reporting; immunity. Immunity from certain criminal and civil liabilities for the act of good faith reporting by certain health care professionals
on accidents that the reporting person reasonably believes involved a person who was hunting or operating a snowmobile, ATV
or watercraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs is set forth in Title 29-A, section 2405.
[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (new); c. 614, §9 (aff).]
The Revisor's Office cannot provide legal advice or
interpretation of Maine law to the public. If you need legal
advice, please consult
a qualified attorney. Office of the Revisor of Statutes 7 State House Station
State House Room 108
Augusta, Maine 04333-0007
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