Main Office
Consultations by Appointment Only
Our legal team provides professional and
aggressive criminal defense representation in order to secure your freedom and your future.
When you are charged with an OUI/DUI or another crime and require skilled negotiators with extensive trial experience, we are your experienced advocates, focused on protecting your rights and reaching the best outcome.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group has over 80 years of experience defending clients OUI/DUI and criminal charges across Maine. Protect your rights with our skilled defense team committed to achieving the best outcome for your case.
If you have been charged with sexual assault, an OUI/DUI, drug possession, domestic violence or any other type of crime in Maine, you have come to the right place.
At MCDG, we provide professional and committed criminal defense and OUI representation, exceeding the expectations of our clients. Professional excellence requires passion, and we believe that means investing our heart and soul into the work we do to secure your freedom and your future.
We are results driven – working together to achieve the maximum impact and effect for you, our client, each and every day.
You’ll work with a team that cares deeply about your well-being. Our team of attorneys, paralegals and legal support professionals makes sure that each client receives hands-on and personalized attention throughout the life of your case.
We are accessible and responsive, and our modern office technology plays a critical role in our ability to deliver superior and confidential client services. No matter the details of the crime you are accused of, our criminal lawyers near you in Southern Maine are here to help you get your life back.
Click on the text to learn more about each phase of the criminal justice process and about your rights as a crime victim.
If you have been charged with assault, theft, drug possession, an OUI/DUI or any other type of crime in Maine, contact us now. Our team of attorneys provide professional and aggressive criminal defense representation for all your legal needs.
Great group of people. Managed to get me a favorable outcome from a very bad situation. I would highly recommend this firm if you have legal troubles. Top notch performance!!
So thankful I chose this team to represent me. They’re the best, hands down. Nathan Hitchcock proved my innocence not once but TWICE, including a trial by jury. I have a family in law enforcement who told me “Bill Bly and his team are the best. If I would recommend anyone, it would be them.”
Great firm to have in your corner for both criminal and family law matters. Worked extensively with both managing partner Bill Bly and attorney Tom Richard, both were valuable assets to me. Highly recommend.
Highly recommend. Caught an OUI charge while working in Maine as an out-of-state employee. Without details, all odds were stacked against me. I was completely shocked to when jury levied a not guilty.
I couldn’t have asked for a more positive experience! Everyone I spoke with or worked with was incredibly understanding and compassionate. I was dealing with a very difficult matter and Attorney Stone was so kind and caring in a time that was very hard. I have never had such a great experience with an attorney and couldn’t recommend them more! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!!!!
After being arrested for a second OUI and other serious/felony charges, I came to Bill and his team for help. He took the time to listen to what I had to say, took notes, and explained to me the seriousness of the charges I was facing and possible outcomes. However, despite how hopeless the situation appeared to be, he believed something could be done and, most importantly, he and his team were willing to help. The whole Maine Criminal Defense group was very attentive, meticulous, and organized in their approach. Bill is great at setting the right expectations from the start. He tells the truth and stays connected to reality. It almost reminded me of the Stockdale paradox where you trust that in the end, everything will be ok, but he makes sure that you still understand the reality of your current situation. He spoke clearly, outlined the process, proposed solutions, and was always open to suggestions from me or members of my family. I was impressed with his ability to think on his feet and come up with brilliant plans that somehow yielded results beyond my own expectations (no felony charges). The Maine Criminal Defense team was always available and prompt to answer any questions. They were always cheerful, polite, caring, and involved. They have a sense of purpose, which appears to be to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. That’s exactly what they’ve delivered in my case. I highly recommend the Maine Criminal Defense team to anyone who has any legal issues and/or has lost hope. You will find that this is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Your case will be in good hands!!! Many Thanks to Bill and the entire Maine Criminal Defense team for all your help!
The Maine Criminal Defense Group handles all areas of criminal defense representation, including state and federal charges. We are committed to achieving the best client-driven outcomes with the highest standards of legal and administrative professional excellence.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group stands out from many firms across the state due to our fierce commitment to defending those charged with a crime.
If you are facing criminal charges in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help.
Call our office to speak with one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
Our Frequently Asked Questions for concise answers to common questions regarding criminal charges in Maine. Gain valuable insights & links to additional resources to make informed decisions when it comes to your legal challenges.
Navigating the complexities of Maine’s judicial system alone can be daunting. A criminal lawyer brings invaluable expertise, ensuring your rights are safeguarded throughout the legal process. With established relationships with prosecutors, they can negotiate favorable outcomes and protect your future from the severe consequences of criminal charges.
Beyond legal representation, a criminal lawyer can save you from the financial burden of a conviction. While their services may seem costly, the expenses associated with fines, jail time, and limited job prospects after a conviction far outweigh the investment in legal defense. By advising on the best possible outcomes for your case, a criminal lawyer empowers you to make informed decisions, mitigating the impact of criminal charges on your life and future.
Refusing a breathalyzer test in Maine can lead to severe consequences. The state’s implied consent laws mandate license suspension for up to six years, and refusal can be used as evidence in an OUI trial, potentially resulting in mandatory jail time. If convicted, you face enhanced penalties, including a mandatory minimum jail sentence and increased fines. Additionally, your license will be suspended for at least 275 days, and subsequent convictions that can lead to longer suspensions. It’s crucial to understand these consequences and seek legal representation to navigate Maine’s complex OUI laws effectively.
A skilled Maine OUI lawyer can help reduce your charges by leveraging their knowledge of state laws and analyzing the specific details of your case. They will review the evidence, including the traffic stop, breath or blood test results, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. If weaknesses in the prosecution’s case are found—such as insufficient evidence or violations of your Constitutional rights—your attorney can use these factors to negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or penalties. For example, an experienced lawyer may secure a plea deal to a lesser offense like driving to endanger, which carries lighter penalties than an OUI conviction.
Additionally, your lawyer will assess mitigating factors, such as your lack of prior offenses, cooperation with law enforcement, or any extraordinary hardship an OUI conviction may cause, like job loss. They will use these details to advocate for more lenient treatment with the prosecutor. While not all OUI charges can be reduced, hiring a seasoned Maine OUI lawyer improves your chances of a favorable outcome by presenting a strong defense and negotiating effectively on your behalf.
Contact us now to schedule a confidential consultation with one of Portland’s top OUI defense attorneys.
Domestic violence assault charges in Maine carry significant penalties. A first offense is typically classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.00. However, you’ll likely face probation for two years and be required to complete a 48-week Certified Batter’s Intervention Program, costing around $1,200.00. These consequences increase if you have prior domestic violence or protection order violation convictions. In such cases, the charge becomes a class C felony, with penalties including up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.00, alongside probation. Understanding these penalties underscores the importance of seeking legal guidance to navigate domestic violence charges effectively.
Gross sexual assault in Maine encompasses various scenarios, including forced sexual acts through compulsion or intoxication. It can also involve taking advantage of a victim’s mental impairment or age, particularly if the victim is under 14 years old. These offenses are classified as Class A felonies, carrying severe penalties of up to $50,000 in fines and a maximum of thirty (30) years in jail. Additionally, convictions may result in lifetime registration as a sex offender, highlighting the gravity of these charges. Understanding the nuances and potential consequences of gross sexual assault charges underscores the critical need for legal guidance to navigate these complex legal matters effectively.
Possession and viewing of child pornography in Maine carry severe penalties, including mandatory registration in the sex offender database, public visibility of convictions, and potential federal or state charges. Under Maine Code §284, possessing sexually explicit material involving a minor under 16 years old constitutes a class D crime, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine. If the minor depicted is under 12 years old, the offense becomes a class C crime, carrying up to 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Repeat offenders face heightened penalties, emphasizing the gravity of these charges and the importance of legal counsel to navigate the complexities of such cases effectively.
If you have been charged with assault, theft, drug possession, an OUI/DUI or any other type of crime in Maine, contact us now. Our team of attorneys provide professional and aggressive criminal defense representation for all your legal needs.
Defendants in criminal cases typically have four options for resolving their case if the charges are not dismissed: Plea negotiation, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty (or no contest) to one or more charges in exchange for a concession from the prosecution. Plead guilty/no contest with an agreed-upon disposition
Many people are unaware that it is a criminal offense in Maine to make a false report of an emergency that causes public alarm. Even those who are aware of the offense are sometimes surprised by the severity of the consequences of a conviction. If found guilty of the offense
A criminal conviction usually appears on criminal records for life in Maine, potentially impacting the individual’s employment, education, travel, housing, immigration status, and more. However, certain low-level misdemeanor convictions can be sealed, meaning that they do not show up on most background checks. For instance, those convicted of marijuana-related offenses
If you are facing criminal charges or an OUI/DUI offense in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
"Bill Bly did an excellent job of listening and addressing our concerns. He answered all of our questions in a timely manner and got results. I highly recommend his services!"
— John H.
In-office consultations are done by appointment only. Contact us today to schedule yours.
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors; therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.
We are a boutique law firm, and we stand out by prioritizing our clients’ well-being. At The Maine Legal Group, our experienced team offers personalized attention in both criminal defense and divorce cases.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group adeptly handles all areas of criminal defense practice, including experienced and skilled legal representation for state and federal charges.
The Maine Divorce Group empowers individuals skillfully navigating divorce with compassionate guidance, ensuring a brighter future through the challenges of the process.
