Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in Lewiston, Maine
Key Takeaways:
- Domestic violence charges can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and protection orders.
- A conviction can affect your relationships, reputation, and job prospects.
- Our Lewiston domestic violence defense lawyers can provide you with the support and aggressive defense you need to help you regain control of your life.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Lewiston, you need to act quickly because these accusations are treated seriously. The consequences of a conviction can be life-altering, potentially leading to imprisonment, financial penalties, or restrictions that could impact your relationships and career. If you are accused of domestic violence, your entire future is at stake!
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Lewiston criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and working to reduce or dismiss charges where possible. Reach out today to request a consultation and discuss your legal options with our experienced team.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Table of Contents
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Lewiston
Domestic violence in Maine is defined as abusive behavior used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member. These charges can arise from various types of misconduct, including physical violence, emotional abuse, verbal threats, stalking, or controlling behavior.
Maine takes domestic violence accusations seriously, and a conviction can have lasting consequences. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could face:
- Jail time (up to 5 years for aggravated assault)
- Fines
- Probation
- Mandated counseling or anger management
- Restraining or protection orders
Beyond these legal penalties, a domestic violence conviction can affect your personal relationships and future opportunities. Whether it’s difficulty finding housing, maintaining family connections, or securing a job, a criminal record can significantly impact your life, future, and reputation.
Types of domestic violence Offenses in Lewiston
Domestic violence charges in Lewiston can involve a wide range of conduct—and all come with serious consequences. From protective orders to felony convictions, these cases can quickly turn your life upside down. Prosecutors pursue domestic violence aggressively in York County, which is why understanding the specific charges you’re facing is critical to building an effective legal defense.
Domestic Violence Assault
This charge involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury—or offensive physical contact—to a household or family member. Common examples include:
- Hitting, punching, or slapping
- Choking or strangling (which may elevate charges to a felony)
- Throwing objects or spitting during a dispute
Even seemingly minor physical contact can lead to criminal charges, especially if there’s a history of alleged abuse or prior convictions.
Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Criminal threatening includes words or actions that make someone fear immediate physical harm. This may involve:
- Verbal threats of violence
- Displaying a weapon to intimidate
- Threatening behavior that causes emotional fear
These charges often lack physical evidence, making it essential to work with a defense attorney who can challenge the credibility of the accusation.
Domestic Violence Terrorizing
This offense covers threats that cause fear for one’s safety or the safety of others. Examples include:
- Threatening to harm a partner, child, or family member
- Statements suggesting violent intent
- Emotional manipulation that causes significant distress
A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and restraining orders that affect your everyday life.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking charges involve repeated, unwanted conduct that creates fear. This could include:
- Constant calls, messages, or attempts at contact
- Showing up uninvited at someone’s home or work
- Tracking or monitoring a partner’s movements
These cases often involve protective orders and can have serious legal consequences.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
This includes any non-consensual sexual activity between partners or family members, including:
- Coerced or forced sex acts
- Sexual contact with an incapacitated person
- Marital rape
Sexual assault is a felony in Maine and may result in long prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct
This charge applies when someone puts a household member at risk through dangerous actions, such as:
- Firing a weapon recklessly in the home
- Aggressive driving with a partner or child present
- Handling dangerous objects in a threatening way
Depending on the facts, reckless conduct can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Lewiston, Maine, it is crucial to act quickly. Prosecutors take these cases seriously, and even a false accusation can have life-altering consequences. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights, challenging weak evidence, and building a strong defense to fight the charges against you.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for domestic violence convictions in Lewiston
A domestic violence conviction in Lewiston, Maine, can have serious and lasting consequences, affecting your freedom, finances, and future. The legal system in Maine strictly prosecutes domestic violence offenses, and even a first-time conviction can result in jail time, fines, and restrictions on your rights. If you are facing charges, it’s critical to understand the potential domestic violence penalties and take immediate action to protect your future.
Penalties for a First-Time Domestic Violence Offense
For those accused of domestic violence assault for the first time, the charge is typically classified as a Class D misdemeanor under Maine law. This can result in:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Mandatory probation and counseling
- Protective orders preventing contact with the alleged victim
Even if you avoid jail time, a conviction will leave you with a criminal record, which can impact your employment, housing, and firearm rights.
Penalties for a Second Domestic Violence Offense
A second domestic violence charge, particularly if the alleged victim is the same person, is treated much more severely. With a prior conviction, the charge is often upgraded to a Class C felony, leading to:
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Stricter probation terms, including mandatory domestic violence intervention programs
- Longer protective orders, which may restrict contact with children or family members
Prosecutors are aggressive in pursuing repeat offenders, making it even more important to have a strong legal defense.
Penalties for Repeat Offender Charges
If you have multiple domestic violence convictions or if the alleged offense involves aggravating factors—such as strangulation, the use of a weapon, or serious bodily harm—you may face felony charges with enhanced penalties, including:
- Extended prison sentences beyond five years
- Permanent firearm restrictions
- Inability to have contact with family members, even after serving a sentence
- Deportation for non-citizens
In Maine, even violating a protection order or bail conditions in a domestic violence case can lead to additional criminal charges, further complicating your legal situation.
How Our Lewiston Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers Can Help
When you’re charged with domestic violence, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our aggressive Lewiston domestic violence defense lawyers are committed to advocating for you and crafting a defense tailored to your specific circumstances.
There are multiple defense strategies that may apply to your case, including:
- False Allegations: Sometimes domestic violence accusations stem from anger, jealousy, or disputes over divorce or custody. We’ll investigate the situation to see if the charges against you are based on false claims.
- Self-Defense: If you were acting to protect yourself from harm, we can present a case based on Maine’s self-defense laws.
- Lack of Evidence: In the absence of solid evidence proving that you committed the alleged offense, we may be able to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
- Accident or Misunderstanding: In some cases, physical confrontations are unintentional, or the alleged victim may have misunderstood your actions. We’ll seek to clarify the situation and present supporting evidence.
Our team is ready to thoroughly examine the facts of your case and develop a strategy that gives you the best chance to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Maine? (Video)
The Maine Criminal Defense Group Can Help You Get Your Life Back on Track
Domestic violence charges don’t have to define your future. If you are facing the threat of conviction, we can be your greatest advocates. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help you get your life back on track, protect your life and future, and preserve the reputation and relationships that are important to you.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, contact us today to request a consultation and let us review how we can help you fight for your rights.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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