Are Sex Crimes Misdemeanors or Felonies in Maine?

If you have been charged with a crime alleging some kind of sexual offense, it could be a misdemeanor or a felony. There are many factors that go into determining which type of crime it is, because there are some crimes that could be a misdemeanor but depending on the age of the victim could be put into the category of a felony.

For example, if the victim of unlawful sexual touching or unlawful sexual contact is of a certain age, those will be misdemeanors. The unlawful sexual contact will be a registrable offense.

Then of course there are sex crimes that could be felonies. One of the most severe sex crimes that is almost invariably a class A felony, meaning it involves a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison, is gross sexual assault. That is the most serious of all sexual assault cases.

What penalties can a person convicted of a sex crime expect in Maine?

When it comes to sex crime convictions in Maine, the penalties can vary significantly based on several crucial factors:

1. Class A (Felony): The most severe sex offenses fall under Class A felonies, potentially resulting in up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. Gross sexual assault offenses often fall into this category.
2. Class B (Felony): Class B felonies for sex crimes can lead to sentences of up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $20,000. Gross sexual assault is typically classified as a Class B felony.
3. Class C (Felony): Class C felonies in sexual assault cases may result in imprisonment for up to five years and fines of up to $5,000. Gross sexual assault involving specific relationships, like between a psychiatrist and a patient, can be categorized as Class C felonies.
4. Class D (Misdemeanor): Class D misdemeanors can lead to sentences of up to one year in prison and fines of up to $2,000. Unlawful sexual conduct without digital penetration is usually a Class D misdemeanor but can escalate to a Class C felony with penetration. Unlawful sexual touching is typically a Class D misdemeanor.
5. Class E (Misdemeanors): The least severe sex offenses are Class E misdemeanors, which can result in up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Examples include sexual misconduct between a school employee and a student within the same school or district.

In addition to the penalties mentioned above, most individuals convicted of a sexual offense in Maine will be required to register on the state’s sex offender registry for a minimum of 10 years.

It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney at The Maine Criminal Defense Group for a thorough understanding of the specific charges, potential penalties, and available legal options, as sex crimes in Maine cover a wide spectrum of severity.

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