Main Office
Satellite Office
Consultations by Appointment Only

Domestic Violence Charges Filed Against Manhunt Suspect, Though Details About the Relationship are Sketchy

A Litchfield man is facing a host of domestic violence offenses after an altercation with a woman who was apparently his girlfriend. Details of the relationship are still sketchy, though, and could test the boundaries of what it means to be a “family or household member” under Maine’s domestic violence laws.

Domestic Violence Charges Filed Against Manhunt Suspect

The incident happened over a month ago. Police received a 911 text from a cell phone that then went nonresponsive. The cops tracked the phone to a house and eventually came in contact with the woman who says she sent the text. She claimed that she was with a man who threatened her with a knife and kicked her.

It took a manhunt to find the suspect and place him under arrest. He has since been indicted on numerous charges, including:

Details about the relationship between the suspect and the alleged victim, however, do not make it clear whether the domestic violence charges will stick.

Domestic Violence Charges Require Certain Types of Relationships

A domestic violence charge is just a different type of crime that was allegedly committed against certain people that have a close relationship with the suspect. If that relationship is not present, the domestic violence element disappears.

The necessary relationship is a “family or household member,” which is defined at 19-A Maine Statute § 4002(4).

This statute lists some very specific relationships, like current or former spouses, as well as some more general relationships, like sexual partners or people who live together.

Even the most general types of “family or household members,” though, do not clearly include this particular suspect and his alleged victim. Based on the news reports, the only indication that the alleged victim lived with the suspect was the fact that the location of the phone when it sent the text message was the house where the suspect lived.

Of course, anyone who has been in a serious relationship with someone knows that the exact moment when two people “live together” is often tricky to pinpoint. Is it when two people spend a week straight living in the same place? When they spend more than half the nights in a month together? When the visitor decides to buy a toothbrush to leave at the house?

These details matter because they can make or break a prosecutor’s case for a domestic violence offense. If the prosecutor can’t show that there was a domestic violence element to the alleged crime, the penalties of a conviction – and the issues that you could have to deal with, as the case moves through the system – get reduced.

Domestic Violence Defense at Maine Criminal Defense Group in Portland

The domestic violence and criminal defense lawyers at Maine Criminal Defense Group strive to legally represent those who have been accused of a crime in southern Maine. Call our law office at (207) 571-8146 or contact us online if you have been arrested and accused of a crime of domestic violence in Portland, Saco, Biddeford or surrounding areas.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Contact our office to speak with
one of our team members who will set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

PRACTICE AREAS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

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!!

Dave Allen

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.”

Brandon Albert

AVOID A CRIMINAL RECORD

CONFIDENTIAL CASE EVALUATIONS

OVER 115+ GOOGLE REVIEWS

OVER 165+ AVVO REVIEWS

Ready to Get Started? Get In Touch With Us Today!

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.

Get to Know Our Group
Maine Legal Group

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

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

The Maine Divorce Group empowers individuals skillfully navigating divorce with compassionate guidance, ensuring a brighter future through the challenges of the process.