Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in Bar Harbor, Maine
Trusted Legal Protection for High-Stakes Criminal Charges.
Being accused of domestic violence in Bar Harbor, Maine, is a serious matter with the potential to impact your freedom, reputation, and future. Even without a conviction, you could face immediate consequences such as protective orders, restricted access to your children, and damage to your personal and professional relationships. A conviction may lead to jail time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life.
Domestic violence cases often arise from emotional disputes and can escalate quickly—sometimes based on misunderstandings or false allegations. Prosecutors in Hancock County take these cases seriously and frequently move forward with charges, even if the alleged victim does not want to press them. That’s why it’s critical to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Bar Harbor who can act fast to protect your rights and begin building a strong legal defense.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Bar Harbor domestic violence defense attorneys bring decades of experience to every case. We carefully review the facts, challenge weak or inconsistent evidence, and ensure that your voice is heard throughout the legal process. If you are not a U.S. citizen, we also help assess and manage the potential immigration consequences tied to your charges, so you can make fully informed decisions about your future.
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
Domestic violence defined in Maine
In Maine, domestic violence refers to any abusive behavior occurring between individuals with a close personal relationship. This includes spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, dating partners, and family members. The abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial, and does not always involve visible injuries.
Under Maine law, domestic violence offenses encompass a broad range of criminal charges, including:
- Domestic Violence Assault (Maine Revised Statutes §207-A) – Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive contact to a household or family member.
- Domestic Violence Terrorizing (§210-B) – Making threats of violence that cause fear of serious harm.
- Domestic Violence Stalking (§210-C) – Engaging in a pattern of behavior that causes a person to fear for their safety.
- Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening (§209-A) – Using words or actions to make a victim reasonably believe they are in imminent danger.
- Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct (§211-A) – Engaging in dangerous conduct that creates a substantial risk of injury.
- Domestic Violence Strangulation (§208-D) – Restricting another person’s breathing by applying pressure to the throat or neck.
If you are accused of domestic violence in Bar Harbor, Maine, securing an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we fight to protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, and build a strategic defense to secure the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Types of domestic violence charges in Bar Harbor, Maine
Domestic violence charges in Bar Harbor can result from a wide range of allegations—and all carry serious legal and personal consequences. From emergency protective orders to felony convictions, these charges can quickly disrupt your life. Prosecutors in Hancock County aggressively pursue domestic violence cases, even when the alleged victim is unwilling to cooperate. That’s why understanding the specific charges against you is essential to preparing 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, slapping, or punching
- Choking or strangling (which can elevate the charge to a felony)
- Throwing objects or spitting during a confrontation
Even minimal physical contact can result in criminal charges, especially when there’s a prior history of alleged abuse.
Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Criminal threatening refers to verbal or physical actions that cause someone to fear immediate harm. This may include:
- Threatening statements about physical violence
- Brandishing a weapon to intimidate
- Behavior that causes emotional fear or distress
These cases often lack physical evidence, making credibility a central issue that a skilled criminal defense attorney in Bar Harbor can strategically challenge.
Domestic Violence Terrorizing
Terrorizing involves threats that lead someone to fear for their safety or the safety of others. Examples may include:
- Threatening to harm a partner, child, or loved one
- Making comments that imply a violent intent
- Psychological manipulation or coercion
A conviction may result in jail time, fines, and long-term restraining orders.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking charges involve repeated, unwanted conduct that creates fear or anxiety. These charges often involve:
- Persistent phone calls, texts, or online messages
- Appearing uninvited at someone’s home or workplace
- Using technology to monitor a partner’s movements
Stalking is taken seriously by Maine courts and may lead to protective orders and felony charges.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
Sexual assault includes any non-consensual sexual activity between intimate partners or family members. This can involve:
- Coerced or forced sexual acts
- Sexual contact with someone who is incapacitated or unable to consent
- Marital rape
This is a felony offense in Maine, with penalties that may include lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.
Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct
This charge applies when someone puts a household member at risk of injury through dangerous behavior. Examples include:
- Discharging a firearm inside the home
- Reckless or aggressive driving with a partner or child present
- Wielding a dangerous object in a threatening manner
Depending on the facts, reckless conduct may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Bar Harbor, Maine, don’t wait to get legal help. These cases move quickly and often involve high stakes. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are prepared to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and build a powerful defense on your behalf.
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 Bar Harbor
A domestic violence conviction in Bar Harbor, 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 Offenders 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.
Additional Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction in Bar Harbor, Maine, can have long-lasting consequences beyond jail time and fines. Even after serving a sentence, individuals convicted of domestic violence often face significant personal, financial, and social challenges that can affect every aspect of their lives.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, it’s critical to understand these collateral consequences and take proactive steps to protect your future.
Impact on Child Custody and Parental Rights
If you are a parent facing domestic violence charges, your ability to maintain custody or visitation rights could be severely impacted. Maine family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and a conviction for domestic violence may result in:
- Loss of custody or restricted visitation due to safety concerns.
- Supervised visitation requirements, preventing you from being alone with your child.
- Difficulty modifying custody agreements in the future.
Even if the allegations are exaggerated or false, a domestic violence charge could negatively influence family court proceedings, making it essential to have a strong legal defense.
Firearm Restrictions
Under Maine and federal law, a conviction for domestic violence-related offenses results in a permanent ban on firearm ownership. This restriction applies whether the conviction is for a misdemeanor or felony. Violating this prohibition is a serious federal offense, potentially leading to additional charges and extended prison time.
Employment and Housing Challenges
A criminal record for domestic violence can make it extremely difficult to find or maintain employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction for a violent offense can disqualify you from certain jobs—especially in fields like education, healthcare, government, and law enforcement.
Housing can also be impacted, as:
- Landlords may deny applications based on a criminal record.
- Rental agreements may be terminated if a conviction violates lease terms.
- Public housing eligibility may be affected, limiting available options.
A domestic violence conviction can create barriers to stability, making it harder to rebuild your life after facing charges.
Professional Licensing and Immigration Consequences
If you hold a professional license—such as a medical, legal, or teaching certification—a conviction could lead to disciplinary actions or even license revocation. This can jeopardize your career and financial stability.
For non-U.S. citizens, a domestic violence conviction could result in deportation, visa denial, or difficulty obtaining citizenship. Immigration authorities treat domestic violence offenses as serious crimes, making it crucial to fight the charges with the help of a skilled defense attorney.
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction in Maine extend far beyond the courtroom. If you are facing charges, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands the complex legal system and will fight to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
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 Violating Protection From Abuse Orders
If the abused party files a protective order, any violation of a protection from abuse order can lead to severe consequences. A Protection from Abuse Order issued by the court prohibits any contact and prevents further abuse.
If an individual violates the no-contact restrictions, they will be charged with a class D misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.00.
If an individual chooses to violate the PFA again or is charged with another crime of domestic violence, they will be facing a class C felony, and punished accordingly. Under Maine law, a class C felony carries the possibility of up to 5 years in state prison, a fine of $5,000.00 and 3 years of probation.
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Maine? (Video)
Contact Our Bar Harbor Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
Facing domestic violence charges in Bar Harbor, Maine, can have immediate and long-term consequences—including jail time, fines, firearm restrictions, and lasting impacts on child custody, employment, and housing opportunities.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Bar Harbor domestic violence defense attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and building a strong defense against the charges you face. With extensive experience handling cases throughout Hancock County, we understand the local court systems and the strategies necessary for effective representation.
Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Call The Maine Criminal Defene Group today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney near you. Early intervention is crucial to safeguarding your future.
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.
Domestic Violence Articles
Defending Maine domestic violence charges Being charged with domestic violence in Maine is a serious legal matter with consequences that can impact your freedom, reputation, and future. Whether the allegation[...]
A domestic violence conviction can have serious consequences in Maine Assault, criminal threatening, and reckless conduct in domestic settings can all be classed as domestic violence in Maine—and criminal charges[...]
Defending those accused of domestic violence in Southern Maine Assault, criminal threatening, and reckless conduct in domestic settings can all be classed as domestic violence in Maine—and criminal charges can[...]
Sexual assault and sexual battery both refer to criminal offenses where a victim does not provide consent to sexual contact. This contact may or may not involve penetration, force, violence,[...]
The domestic violence and stalking laws in Maine are currently being updated to address some shortcomings in the previous laws and to add clarity for both victims and accused parties[...]
In recent years, convictions for domestic violence offenses in Maine have increased as state prosecutors rigorously pursue cases. This has led to harsher penalties for offenders, which makes it even[...]
Crimes of domestic violence in the state of Maine can be confusing. This is because crimes of domestic violence are really just other crimes, like assault or battery, when those[...]
A protection from abuse order (PFA) can make it illegal for an individual to contact you or your children in the state of Maine. Filing a PFA is often a[...]
Protection from Abuse Orders (PFAs), such as restraining orders and no-contact orders, are frequently issued by the courts in domestic violence cases in Maine but are often confused. No contact[...]
This article was updated March 6, 2025 Oftentimes what I see in these domestic violence situations is that a husband and wife get in a fight. They love each other[...]
