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What is the age of consent for sex in Maine?
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The Maine Criminal Defense Group is a leading criminal law firm with a strong commitment to providing expert legal counsel and representation in sex crime cases. One important area of concern that frequently arises is the age of consent for sexual activity in Maine.
Understanding this crucial legal aspect is paramount to navigating the complexities of relationships and avoiding potential legal consequences.
What is the age of consent for sexual activity in Maine?
The age of consent for any sexual activity (heterosexual or homosexual) is 16 years-old in Maine.
This law is predominantly designed to protect children from being exploited sexually by adults over the age of 21.
Within the laws, there are provisions for people to legally consent to sex with another person of a similar age even if they are aged 14 or 15. This is sometimes known as the “Romeo and Juliet” law and it states that if a person is less than five years older than a sexual partner aged 14 or 15, consensual sexual activity is lawful.
So, a 19-year-old boy male engaging in consensual sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl is not liable for prosecution.
However, if the accused is 20 years-old and the partner 14 years old, he may be prosecuted even if he believed her age was 16.
But the belief that the person was 16 is a statutory defense that can be raised, oftentimes with success.
Is there a close-in-age exemption in Maine’s age of consent law?
Yes, Maine has a close-in-age exemption, also known as the “Romeo and Juliet” law. In cases where the age difference between the partners is less than three years, the sexual activity may not be considered a criminal offense, even if one or both partners are below the age of consent, which is 16 years old in Maine. This exemption is designed to address consensual relationships between minors who are close in age and to prevent minor age differences from leading to severe legal consequences.
However, it’s crucial to note that this exemption has specific limitations and does not provide a blanket defense for all situations involving minors and sexual activity. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to understand the details and applications of Maine’s close-in-age exemption accurately.
Can individuals below the age of 16 legally engage in sexual activity in Maine?
No, individuals below the age of 16 cannot legally engage in sexual activity in Maine. The age of consent for sexual activity in Maine is 16 years old. Engaging in sexual activity with someone below the age of consent can lead to serious criminal charges, such as statutory rape or sexual abuse of a minor.
It is essential to understand and respect the age of consent laws to ensure compliance with the legal requirements and avoid potential legal consequences.
What are the consequences of engaging in sexual activity with someone below the age of consent?
Engaging in sexual activity with someone below the age of consent can lead to serious legal consequences. In Maine, the age of consent is 16 years old. If an individual engages in sexual activity with someone below this age, they may face criminal charges such as statutory rape or sexual abuse of a minor.
The potential consequences of engaging in sexual activity with a minor can be severe and may include:
- Criminal charges – The individual engaging in sexual activity with a minor could be charged with a felony offense, leading to potential imprisonment and fines.
- Sex offender registration – A conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a minor may result in the individual being required to register as a sex offender, with lifelong implications on housing, employment, and public perception.
- Impact on personal and professional life – A criminal record for such offenses can significantly impact an individual’s personal relationships, educational opportunities, and career prospects.
- Restraining orders and protective orders – The court may issue restraining or protective orders to keep the offender away from the minor, restricting contact or proximity.
- Family and social consequences – Engaging in sexual activity with a minor can lead to strained relationships with family members, friends, and the community, with potential social stigma and isolation.
To avoid these severe consequences, it is essential to understand and respect the age of consent laws in Maine and ensure that all sexual activity is consensual and within the bounds of the law.
Can consent be used as a defense in cases involving minors who are close in age?
In cases involving minors who are close in age, consent is generally not considered a valid defense in the context of age of consent laws. Even if both parties involved in the sexual activity are minors and have given their consent, engaging in sexual activity with someone below the age of consent can still be considered a criminal offense in some jurisdictions, including Maine.
Maine has a close-in-age exemption, also known as the “Romeo and Juliet” law, which provides some leniency for minors who are close in age. However, this exemption has specific limitations and does not apply to all situations involving minors and sexual activity.
It’s essential to understand that age of consent laws are in place to protect minors from potential exploitation and abuse. Engaging in sexual activity with a minor, even if the minor gives consent, is generally considered a violation of the law and can lead to serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges for statutory rape or sexual abuse of a minor.
If you find yourself facing charges related to engaging in sexual activity with a minor, it is crucial to seek legal counsel immediately from The Maine Criminal Defense Group to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
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This is THE premier criminal defense firm in Maine! If any family member or friend of mine needed representation in Maine, I would have them call the Maine Criminal Defense Group! Lawyer Bill Bly and his associates are awesome. Plus Bill Bly trained at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. That…
David W.
Changed My Opinion on Lawyers I called Bill and had a consultation. He listened intently to my case and laid out our pathway. He was straight forward, real and didn't toss me a bunch of crap. I fully expected him to fluff up the case and try to convince me…
Robert H.
THANK YOU FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK DONE ON MY CLIENT'S BEHALF Thank you very much for the excellent work performed on behalf of my client on her Maine criminal case. I appreciate the attentive service, the quality of the work and the reasonableness of your fees. As you know, part…
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CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH Thank you for all your help with my OUI. When we first met I was resigned to the “fact” that I was going to be convicted of an OUI and would lose my military career over it. I must say that I was quite surprised, shocked…
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WILLINGNESS TO ASSIST IN A TIME OF NEED Thank you for all your help concerning my case. As a veteran returning from overseas service, your willingness to assist me in a time of need and when I wasn’t in a position to pay for an attorney is greatly appreciated. You…
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IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW? If you ever find yourself caught up in the legal system. The Maine Criminal Defense Group and his staff are the ones you want to have on your side. This man will fight hard for your rights and do everything he can to make your…
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I RECOMMEND WILLIAM BLY We're glad we chose Bill for our legal needs. We found Bill to be knowledgeable, clear, and diligent. He actively managed my case and the overall outcome was the best that we could have hoped for. We would recommend Bill to others in a similar situation…
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PHENOMENAL LAWYER The Maine Criminal Defense Group is hard working, knowledgeable, and determined when working on cases. He was pleasant and helpful throughout the entire process by answering any and all questions I may have had. His diligent work on my case, personal connections in the court systems, and professionalism…
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VERY HELPFUL - THANKS BILL! Bill Bly did a magnificent job collecting evidence and building leverage with the DA's office that allowed us to plead an OUI down to a lesser charge. Not only was he very knowledgeable about Maine law, but he also understood the personalities of both the…
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PHD DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, WADE CHARNOCK Mr. Bly is a superb lawyer! He is without a doubt one of the finest criminal defense lawyers in the state of Maine. He handled my son's case with sincerity and professionalism, and the results, "All Charges Dismissed!" If you need a defense attorney, he…
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HIRE MR. BLY. YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I retained Mr. Bly over a year ago. I was charged with OUI and having a minor in the car. Mr. Bly was able to arrange a plea to a Driving to Endanger with no jail time and only a 30 day license…
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BOTTOM LINE RESULTS As an attorney it was clear to me that achieving a favorable disposition of an OUI charge with a difficult fact pattern would require specialized representation. Bill quickly proved this instinct correct and his nuanced and detailed understanding of and experience with the intricacies of the arrest…
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MR OUT OF STATE OUI I went to Maine on a weekend vacation trip and got a little reckless. I ended up driving the wrong way on a one way street and received an oui. Now I was up against loosing my cdl, my job, and my new home I…
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OUI DISMISSED Feeling helpless? Bill is the person you need to contact. Never being on the other side of the law, I contacted Bill in a panic. He sensed this and actually agreed to meet me on a Saturday. Bill was extremely personable and gave me the facts that appeared…
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Definitely Recommend My fiancé and I were visiting Kennebunk over the summer when I was stopped and arrested for OUI. I couldn't believe that this was happening. Once I got over the shock and humiliation of the arrest, my fiancé and I began searching for an attorney in southern Maine.…
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HAPPY CLIENT I met with Bill back in June of this year for an OUI charge. When I met with Bill, he sat down with me and explained the entire court process and what to expect going forward. He didn't try and "sell me" on hiring him or make promises…
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THANK YOU MR. BLY Mr. Bly assisted me with a case where I was charged with assaulting my girlfriend and my brother as well as some other people. After reading the police reports, I felt that the case was hopeless. Mr. Bly negotiated and outcome that prevented me from a…
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THANKS FOR YOUR EXCELLENT WORK Attorney Bly defended me on charges of theft and secured a not guilty after trial. Thank you for all of your hard work.
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LEGAL NIGHTMARE SOLVED THANKS TO BILL BLY I was in a legal nightmare, after being arrested for an Operating Under the Influence, OUI in the great State of Maine. I was previously classified as a habitual offender in another state, so this was not my first charge concerning this particular…
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VERY DEDICATED ATTORNEY Bill was very dedicated to my issue and worked with me to get me the best possible outcome. Bill and his law office kept me well informed on developments on the situation and was very upfront with me, gaining my trust and confidence in his skills helping…
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JOB WELL DONE First and for most I'd like to thank you very much for sorting out the snowmobile OUI bs for me. The outcome could not have been more desirable and the process with you couldn't have been better. On a professional note I give an A+ and will…
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Thank you for a job well done Attorney Bly handled a sensitive domestic violence charge for me in a VERY favorable fashion. Ultimately, he got the charges thrown out. I'm grateful to him and his staff for all their hard work. Ann is especially helpful and was always available to…
Ned B.
Bly- A True Professional Committed to Client Satisfaction Two years ago I was involved in a high publicity case that involved significant legal implications. This uncharacteristic life event left me overwhelmed by emotional distress and not knowing where to turn next. Through thorough research and high esteem recommendations, I contacted…
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WILLIAM BLY WON'T LET YOU DOWN! I will with out hesitation recommend Bill to anyone !!! He fought diligently for a year to ensure me the best results possible and to avoid trial. In the end Bill saved me my career and kept me out of jail. There is really…
Nick G.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR EFFORTS! My OUI and criminal speeding charges brought a great deal of stress and hardship to not only myself but my entire family. Having both of the charges against me dismissed was an absolute godsend. Once dropped, it felt as though a dark cloud…
Lisa F.
PROFESSIONAL, HONEST, AND QUICK TO REPLY Working with Attorney Bly was a pleasure - given the circumstances. He acknowledged my novelty to the courtroom and was sensitive to my case by guiding me through the process, step by step. Especially when I seemed overwhelmed and confused, anxious and uneasy, Bill…
Betty C.
SUPPORTIVE AND RESOURCEFUL It was an absolute pleasure to work with The Maine Criminal Defense Group. At the eleventh hour, I contacted him for help with a legal matter. What I originally thought would be a quick and easy case, turned into a more challenging matter. Nonetheless, given his knowledge…
Rosalinda E.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ATTORNEY WILLIAM BLY I am delighted to write this recommendation for Attorney William Bly. Before hiring The Maine Criminal Defense Group to represent me I had worked with another lawyer which resulted in a warrant out for my arrest. Being out of state I had to thoroughly research…
Jason S.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND I found myself searching the internet hoping to find an attorney who I could trust and wouldn't just tell me what I wanted to hear. I was visiting from out of state when I was charged with an OUI as well as a refusal. I contacted Mr. Bly…
Erica L.
THANKS FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MY SON'S LIFE Bill, Thank you very much for getting back to me. My son and I want to thank you very much for the finalizing of this hard lesson learned in life's journey. I knew from the beginning that not only are you…
Theresa S.
SINCEREST GRATITUDE Mrs. Ann, I want to say thank you again to yourself and Bill again for OUTSTANDING work!! Please pass my regards to Bill. With sincere gratitude.
James C.
JC Recommends The Maine Criminal Defense Group I am very pleased with the representation I received from The Maine Criminal Defense Group. After having been charged with a very serious crime, his thoughtful and prudent strategy and diligent execution resulted in a better than expected outcome. The original charge was…
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TIRELESS AND KNOWLEDGEABLE Bill Bly saved my career in the Navy. He worked on my case for almost six months before he was able to negotiate a positive outcome. His persistence and efforts with the DA were the only things that kept my case from going to trial. He was…
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Without a doubt, choose Mr. Bly! When I was charged with an OUI, I felt that everything that I worked for went down the drain. I knew the consequences of an OUI, and it weighed heavy on my conscious. An OUI for a Naval Officer is a career killer. Having…
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Given Me the Gift of Time Thank you for everything. You've given me the gift of time and I can't thank you enough for that.
Bryan D.
Dismissal of Driving on Suspended - Please read if you are unsure if W. Bly is the right attorney! After looking at reviews online and a brief conversation with Mr. Bly, I decided to retain him. I was charged with Driving on an out of State VA Drivers license. On…
Rick M.
Saved my career and preserved my future! Bill, thank you so much for your excellent legal representation these last few months. You gave me straight and concise answers throughout the entire process and I can't thank you enough for helping me keep my career in the U.S. Navy. Ann Dickey…
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DCS Recommends The Maine Criminal Defense Group Two years ago our family began living a nightmare that we could never have imagined possible. Our 18-year-old son was arrested for a serious offense he committed with a "friend." Our family was in a tailspin and we did not know where to…
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