Opinion ID: 2550152
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Ownership of the Blue Water

Text: [¶ 13] Thomas contends that the Blue Water was not subject to search pursuant to section 6306's implied consent provision, because Osier was not the actual owner of the Blue Water. If section 6306 did not apply, section 6025(4), which requires probable cause to justify a search, would apply instead. [¶ 14] The court relied on Thomas's testimony that Osier owned the Blue Water. Although Thomas's counsel now alleges this testimony was mistaken, there is nothing in the record that establishes such a mistake. The court was entitled to accept Thomas's testimony whether or not the record contained evidence to the contrary. For clear error review, we will not disturb the court's factual findings if they are supported by competent evidence in the record. Efstathiou v. Aspinquid, Inc., 2008 ME 145, ¶ 35, 956 A.2d 110, 121. As the court did not err in finding that Osier owned the Blue Water and held a Maine license, the vessel was properly subject to inspection under section 6306.