Skilled Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys in Brunswick, Maine Protecting Your Rights
Brunswick Sexual assault accusations are incredibly serious and can have life-altering consequences. With the right legal representation, however, you can fight back against these sex crimes charges and secure your freedom and future.
Key Takeaways:
- Sexual assault charges in Maine can range from unwanted touching to rape.
- Convictions can result in long prison sentences, hefty fines, and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
- Our Brunswick sexual assault defense lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you get your life back on track.
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault in Brunswick, the consequences of a conviction can be devastating. Not only could you face years in prison, but the lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender can have severe effects on your ability to work, live, and even interact with your community.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced Brunswick sexual assault defense lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult legal situation and work toward reducing or dismissing the charges. Request a consultation today to speak with our experienced legal team and begin protecting your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
Table of Contents
How is Sexual Assault Defined in Maine?
Under Maine law sexual assault, Title 17-A, §253, refers to a broad range of criminal offenses involving non-consensual sexual activity. These offenses vary in severity and may include charges such as unlawful sexual contact, indecent exposure, or gross sexual assault, which is Maine’s legal term for rape or other serious sexual acts committed without consent.
Sexual assault in Maine does not require physical violence. Any sexual act obtained through threats, coercion, or intimidation, whether it is physical or verbal, can qualify. The law also recognizes that certain individuals cannot legally consent to sexual activity, including minors under the age of 16, or people who are incapacitated due to mental disability, intoxication, or unconsciousness. Importantly, Maine law does not require the alleged victim to physically resist or fight back for the conduct to be considered sexual assault.
The legal definitions in these cases can be complex, and each allegation requires a careful evaluation of facts, relationships, and the nature of consent.
Sexual Assault penalties in Brunswick, Maine
The penalties for sexual assault in Maine depend on the specific charge and circumstances of the alleged offense. In the most serious cases, such as gross sexual assault involving a minor or a person unable to consent, a conviction may be charged as a Class A felony. This is punishable by:
- up to 30 years in prison,
- fines up to $50,000, and
- mandatory registration as a sex offender
Sex offender registration can severely impact your life long after you serve a sentence. You may face restrictions on where you can live or work, and the social stigma attached to registration can affect your family, relationships, and future opportunities.
Additional consequences of a sexual assault conviction in Maine
In addition to criminal penalties, being accused or convicted of sexual assault in Maine can result in lasting personal and professional consequences even before your case is resolved in court.
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault, it is critical to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today to protect your rights and begin building a strong defense.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in Brunswick, Maine
Maine law sets specific time limits for how long the state can file criminal charges after an alleged offense, known as the statute of limitations. These timelines vary based on the severity of the offense and the age of the alleged victim.
For sexual assault cases in Maine, the following statutes of limitations apply:
- Gross Sexual Assault or Unlawful Sexual Contact (Class A, B, or C felonies):
The state has 20 years from the date of the alleged offense to initiate prosecution. - Sexual Assault Involving a Child Under 16:
For crimes such as rape, incest, or gross sexual assault involving a minor, there is no statute of limitations. Charges may be brought at any time, even decades later. - Most Other Felonies (non-sexual Class A, B, or C crimes):
Subject to a 6-year statute of limitations. - Misdemeanors (Class D or E crimes):
Must be prosecuted within 3 years of the alleged offense. - Absence from the State:
If the accused leaves Maine, the statute may be paused, although extensions are generally limited to 5 years.
These laws reflect Maine’s effort to allow ample time for victims—especially children—to come forward. However, they also create significant long-term legal risks for individuals accused of a sexual offense.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
Can age affect the severity of a sexual assault charge in Brunswick, Maine?
Yes, certain crimes are actually defined by the age difference between the perpetrator and the victim, or certain crimes are exacerbated by a large enough age difference.
For example, the crime of “unlawful sexual contact” is defined as sexual touching involving a victim under the age of 14 when the perpetrator is minimally 3 years older than the victim. However, it is also defined as sexual touching involving a victim between 14 to 15 years of age and a perpetrator who is minimally 10 years older than the victim.
The crime of sexual abuse of a minor is exacerbated whenever the perpetrator is 10 years older than the victim (or more). We see this same pattern with other sexual assault crimes, and we see it in other jurisdictions as well.
In Gross Sexual Assault cases, the age of the victim can be a significant aggravating factor that can set the floor of a sentence at 20 years in prison.
Is attempted sexual assault a crime in Brunswick, Maine?
Yes, Maine has a crime which specifically refers to instances in which a perpetrator attempts to commit a sexual assault against a victim but is unsuccessful.
This crime is called “child enticement” in Maine, and it occurs when a perpetrator makes a clear attempt to lure a child (under the age of 14) for the purposes of sexual misconduct. Even if the perpetrator isn’t able to engage in the sexual misconduct, the attempt itself is considered a criminal act and can be prosecuted as such in Maine.
How Our Brunswick Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers Can Help You
If you are facing sexual assault charges, you need a legal team with experience and a commitment to fighting for your rights. Our Brunswick sexual assault defense lawyers are prepared to build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case. We understand the high stakes involved, and we’ll work tirelessly to protect your freedom.
Common sexual assault defense strategies we use include:
- Mistaken Identity: In many cases, accusations of sexual assault are the result of mistaken identity. If this applies to your case, we will investigate and present evidence that shows you were not the perpetrator.
- Consent: If the accusations are based on a misunderstanding or miscommunication, we may argue that consent was present, or we may challenge the evidence to demonstrate that the allegations are not credible.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, false accusations can happen. If you’ve been falsely accused of sexual assault, we will fight to prove your innocence and prevent a wrongful conviction.
- Lack of Evidence: We may challenge the prosecution’s evidence, especially if the evidence presented is insufficient or inconclusive.
Every case is different, and our team will thoroughly review the evidence and develop a defense strategy that best suits your situation.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
Can you be convicted of sexual assault if both parties were Intoxicated?
Yes, generally, the fact that both the alleged perpetrator and victim were intoxicated isn’t a defense to sexual assault. The only way in which this might be a successful defense is if the defendant can prove that he or she was intoxicated such that the underlying offense would’ve been impossible. In other words, if the alleged perpetrator can show that the level of intoxication undermines the validity of the crime itself, then it might be a successful defense.
In most cases this isn’t a viable defense for the alleged perpetrator. In point of fact, if the alleged victim were known to be under the influence of alcohol or another substance, that alone could damage a defendant’s case because the intoxication diminishes the victim’s ability to give proper consent.
Contact our Brunswick sexual assault defense attorneys for help today
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our strategic Brunswick sexual assault defense lawyers have over 85 years of combined experience defending clients against serious criminal charges, including sexual assault. We understand the stakes of your case and are dedicated to providing you with the aggressive and professional defense you need to secure the best possible outcome.
Our legal team works with you every step of the way, offering support, transparency, and a strong strategy to fight the charges. When you choose us to represent you, we don’t just defend your case; we protect your future. Request a consultation today and take the first step toward defending your rights and securing your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
Can I represent myself for a sexual assault charge in Maine?
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