In the state of Maine, the administrative office of the court of Maine published “The Judicial Branch Citizen’s guide” which states that civil violations include:
- Minor traffic infractions,
- Possession of a small amount of marijuana,
- Violations of town and city ordinances, such as leash laws.
If an individual commits a civil violation a ticket will be issued by an officer with summons instructions dictating for the individual to appear in District Court on a certain date.
While the civil violations are not as serious as a criminal offense and does not have to be “proven beyond reasonable doubt” if the individual does not appear in court or pay the fine a civil violation can become much more serious.
Blog Posts
The moment you suspect you’re under investigation or face criminal charges in Maine, your next decision could determine your future. Every conversation with law enforcement, every document you sign, and[...]
After an arrest and criminal charge in Maine, a defendant’s first court appearance may be to apply for bail at the arraignment and bail hearing. The process of securing a[...]
If you are charged with a crime in Maine, going to trial is just one of the possible outcomes. In fact, around 90 percent of criminal cases in Maine are[...]
Defendants in criminal cases typically have four options for resolving their case if the charges are not dismissed: Plea negotiation, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty (or no contest)[...]
Many people are unaware that it is a criminal offense in Maine to make a false report of an emergency that causes public alarm. Even those who are aware of[...]
A criminal conviction usually appears on criminal records for life in Maine, potentially impacting the individual’s employment, education, travel, housing, immigration status, and more. However, certain low-level misdemeanor convictions can[...]
The legal term for sentencing a convicted criminal is not required to serve is called a suspended sentence. A suspended sentence is handed down during the sentencing portion following a[...]
If you receive a traffic ticket in Maine, you may be facing far more than demerit points or an administrative penalty. You could be facing criminal sanctions and a permanent[...]
In Maine, disorderly conduct laws effectively make disturbing the peace a criminal offense. While disorderly conduct is considered one of the least serious offenses under Maine’s Criminal Statutes, it can[...]
Any criminal charge for a drug-related offense is a serious matter in Maine,but how consequential the outcomes can get may depend on whether the charge is filed at the state[...]
