It is a terrible idea to represent yourself if you are under any criminal charges. It is not a matter of intelligence; it is a matter of advocacy. If you represent yourself, you have a higher risk of leaving a negative impression with the prosecutor.
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19 Commercial StreetPortland, ME 04101
Main Office
119 Main StKennebunk, ME 04043
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207-571-8146
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Frequently Asked Questions
OUI / DUI Offenses
- How much does an OUI / DUI conviction cost in Maine?
- What are the penalties of an OUI charge in Maine?
- What are the OUI / DUI penalties if you hurt someone while intoxicated in Maine?
- What are the penalties for an OUI / DUI Accident in Maine?
- What are the penalties for boating under the influence in Maine?
- What is implied consent and refusing a breathalyzer in Maine?
- What are the penalties for implied consent in Maine?
- What are Maine’s OUI laws regarding Marijuana?
- What are the penalties for a marijuana OUI in Maine?
- Can I have an OUI / DUI expunged from my record in Maine?
- What causes an OUI / DUI to be considered a felony in Maine?
- What are the penalties for an OUI / DUI felony in Maine?
- What is a OUI / DUI Habitual Offender in Maine
- What is reckless driving in Maine?
- What are the penalties for reckless driving in Maine?
- What are the penalties for underage drunk driving in Maine?
- What are the aggravating factors of an OUI / DUI in Maine?
Domestic Violence
- How is domestic violence defined in Maine?
- What are the penalties for domestic violence crimes in Maine?
- What are the bail conditions for domestic violence in Maine?
- What are the most common types of domestic violence in Maine?
- How is domestic assault defined in Maine?
- What are the penalties for domestic violence assault in Maine?
- What are the penalties for criminal threatening in Maine?
- What is a protection from abuse orders in Maine?
- How do you acquire a protection from abuse order in Maine?
- What’s included in a protection order in Maine?
- What happens if you violate the terms of a protection order in Maine?
- What types of protection from abuse orders are there in Maine?
Stalking
- What is the law against stalking in Maine?
- What are the penalties for stalking in Maine?
- What are possible defenses against a stalking charge in Maine?
- What is domestic violence terrorizing in Maine?
- What are the penalties for domestic violence terrorizing in Maine?
Sex Crimes
- 10 FAQ’s regarding statutory rape in Maine
- Who must report rape or abuse in the state of Maine?
- What is the difference between statutory rape and forcible rape in Maine?
- What are the statutory rape laws in Maine?
- When Must I Update the Sex Offender Registry in Maine?
- How to register as a sex offender in Maine
- When is registering as a sex offender a requirement in Maine?
- What are the penalties for rape of a minor in Maine?
- What is considered gross sexual assault in Maine?
- What are the different types of rape offenses in Maine
- What are the penalties of indecent conduct (exposure) in Maine?
- What is indecent conduct (exposure) in Maine?
- What are the prohibited consensual sexual activity laws in Maine?
- What is the age of consent for sex in Maine?
- What is the statute of limitations for the crime of sexual abuse against children in Maine?
- What is considered sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 14 in Maine?
- What is gross sexual assault in Maine, as it pertains to children?
- Is being intoxicated a defense against a sex crime allegation?
Child Pornography
- What are the penalties of a child pornography conviction in Maine?
- What is child pornography defined as in Maine?
- What is sexual exploitation of a minor in Maine?
- What is dissemination of sexually explicit materials in Maine?
- What is considered possession of sexually explicit material in Maine?
- Who is required by law to report the abuse of minors in Maine?
Civil Offenses
Prescription Fraud
- What is considered prescription fraud in Maine?
- Is prescription fraud a federal offense in Maine?
- What are the penalties for prescription fraud charges in Maine?
Federal PPP Fraud
- What is the paycheck protection program?
- What is PPP loan fraud?
- What are the aggressive measures being taken to pursue PPP loan fraud?
- What are the penalties for PPP loan fraud?
- Are you at risk of a PPP loan fraud investigation?
Theft Offenses
- What are the most common types of theft charges in Maine?
- What type of crime is theft by deception in Maine?
- What are the penalties for theft by deception in Maine?
- What are the penalties for shoplifting in Maine?
- Can I reduce the penalties of a shoplifting charge in Maine
- Can I have a shoplifting charge expunged from my criminal record in Maine?
Traffic Offenses
- What is criminal speeding in Maine?
- What are the penalties for criminal speeding charges in Maine?
- What happens if you were involved in a hit and run in Maine?
Drug Crimes
- What are considered drug crimes in Maine?
- What are the penalties for drug possession charges in Maine?
- What amount of drugs is considered trafficking if Maine?
- What are the penalties for growing marijuana illegally in Maine?
- What are the marijuana penalties for minors in Maine?
Drug Trafficking
- What are the penalties for drug trafficking in Maine?
- How is aggravated drug trafficking defined in Maine?
Title IX Sexual Harassment
- What is title IX?
- What types of sex-based discrimination does Title IX cover?
- Who does Title IX protect in Maine?
- What is “sexual misconduct” in Title IX?
- What is the difference between “sexual assault” and “sexual harassment”?
- What must schools in Maine do to comply with Title IX?
- How can Title IX complaints be made in schools in Maine?
- What constitutes a “prompt and equitable” process for schools?
- What standard of evidence is used at complaint hearings?
- What does “affirmative consent” mean regarding title IX?
- Do alcohol and drug use affect consent regarding title IX?
- Is there mandatory reporting for college employees under Title IX?
- What should I do if I’m informed that a student has filed a complaint against me for sexual assault?
If I am found innocent, will the charge still appear on my criminal record?
For general public background checks, or if you are trying to get a lease for an apartment it will not show any criminal record. However, for many jobs, professional board licenses and government background checks, it will show an individual has a criminal record. It will say found “innocent”, but it cannot undo the fact a person was charged with a crime.
Is my criminal record public information?
Yes, it is. In Maine criminal records cannot be sealed, as other states do. It does not matter if it was a misdemeanor or a bigger crime, the public will always have access to records.
What are the long term consequences of a criminal conviction?
It would depend on the crime. However, being convicted of any crime is being labeled as a criminal. It can hurt the chances of getting a new job, if the employer cannot see past it. This is why we encourage you to get a lawyer that can advise and guide you throughout this situation.
What is a plea bargain and should I accept it?
A Plea Bargain is an agreement, it is how our system is setup to resolve criminal cases. It could reduce charges, but a person would have to “plead guilty” to a charge that can be dismissed later. In many cases taking a plea bargain it is the best choice, however since all the cases are not the same this is not always the best option.
A warrant was issued for my arrest. What do I do?
Call us immediately. The last thing you want to do is be out with your family or friends or being at work and have an officer run your information because you will get arrested. You and your loved ones do not need the embarrassment and the stress of this type of situation.
Will I have to stay in jail during the pendency of my case?
In most cases no, if bail was posted on your behalf. However, your bail can be revoked if you violate your bail conditions. In that case you will go back to jail.
What is the difference between being indicted and convicted of a crime?
When you are founded convicted of a crime it means you were found guilty of the crime you were charged with. A judge has sentenced you and now officially you have a criminal record.If you are indicted for a crime it means, there is going to be Grand Jury who will decide in secret if there is enough evidence to prove you are guilty of a crime.
What is immunity?
Immunity is very rarely ever given. Immunity is when the government cannot prosecute you for the crime they initially intended to charge you with. In return you will give full cooperation as a witness and provide information about the crime.
What is the purpose of the dispositional conference & what should I expect?
The Dispositional Conference requires the presence of the person being charged with the crime. A lawyer needs to be present, a prosecutor and in most cases a judge. The lawyer and the prosecutor will discuss the details and facts about the case. Sometimes there is a negotiation, and this is when plead agreements are reached. The person accused of the crime will not give a testimony and the police will not be involved.
What is Double Jeopardy?
If you have been charged of a crime and went to trial and were found innocent, you are already vindicated. Even if new evidence comes to light, you cannot be charged for the same crime you were already acquitted for.
How is bail determined?
The person charged with the crime will have to go with their lawyer to Court. The lawyer and the prosecutor might be in agreement with the bail should be, and as long as the judge accepts it, everything is fine. However, if the prosecutor and the lawyer have very different ideas on what the bail should be, they both have to present their ideas to the judge with valid reasons. Then the judge will decide what kind of bail is best suited.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Difference between them depends on the severity of the crime. With misdemeanor we have two classifications D and E. The max. penalty is 180 days in jail with a $1000 fine. With D the max. penalty is 364 days in jail with a $2000 fine.With a felony an Excess classification is a max. of 364 days in jail. C is 5 years in jail. B is 10 years in jail. A is 30 years in life. And for murder is 30 years to life.
How is a jury selected for a criminal trial?
Maine has a different process than most states. In Maine we have a pool of people and some questions are asked as a screening process. Once we have those questions and we analyze them, out of that pool we select 13 or 14 people who we are trusting to be fair and impartial.
Can I lose my job if I’m convicted of a crime?
It depends. It can depend on your type of job and the type of crime. If you are charged with fraud, embezzlement or debt, depending on your position your employer may think you are no longer a good fit. If the crime you are being charged is domestic violence, your boss and coworkers might think you are a liability. There is no way to know for sure unless we know the specific case.
Ready to get your life back? Call now!
Ready to Get Started? Contact Our Firm 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
Portland Office
By Appt. Only
Kennebunk Office
Main Office
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relation-
ship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors; therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.
* Our quoted fees include trial fees for misdemeanor charges only, unless otherwise agreed upon.
All felony charges are billed out on an hourly basis and require a retainer, unless otherwise agreed upon.
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