Accused of Domestic Violence in Freeport, Maine?
Get the Defense You Deserve
Being accused of domestic violence in Freeport, Maine, is a serious legal matter with the potential to impact every aspect of your life. Even without a conviction, you may face protective orders, custody limitations, and damage to your personal and professional reputation. A conviction can bring jail time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record that affects your housing, employment, and relationships.
These cases often stem from highly emotional situations and can escalate quickly—sometimes based on misunderstandings or false accusations. Prosecutors in Cumberland County pursue domestic violence cases aggressively, even if the alleged victim chooses not to cooperate. That’s why you need a skilled criminal defense attorney near you who can take immediate action to safeguard your rights and begin crafting a solid defense strategy.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Freeport criminal defense attorneys bring decades of experience defending clients against domestic violence allegations. We investigate the details, challenge unreliable evidence, and ensure your voice is heard throughout the process. For non-citizens, we also provide guidance on potential immigration consequences to help you make fully informed legal decisions.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Table of Contents
Domestic violence defined in Maine
In Maine, domestic violence refers to any abusive behavior occurring between individuals with a close personal relationship. This includes spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, dating partners, and family members. The abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial, and does not always involve visible injuries.
Under Maine law, domestic violence offenses encompass a broad range of criminal charges, including:
- Domestic Violence Assault (Maine Revised Statutes §207-A) – Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive contact to a household or family member.
- Domestic Violence Terrorizing (§210-B) – Making threats of violence that cause fear of serious harm.
- Domestic Violence Stalking (§210-C) – Engaging in a pattern of behavior that causes a person to fear for their safety.
- Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening (§209-A) – Using words or actions to make a victim reasonably believe they are in imminent danger.
- Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct (§211-A) – Engaging in dangerous conduct that creates a substantial risk of injury.
- Domestic Violence Strangulation (§208-D) – Restricting another person’s breathing by applying pressure to the throat or neck.
If you are accused of domestic violence in Freeport, Maine, securing an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we fight to protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, and build a strategic defense to secure the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Freeport, Maine
Domestic violence charges in Freeport, Maine, can involve a wide range of conduct—and each charge carries serious legal and personal consequences. From emergency protective orders to felony convictions, these cases can escalate quickly and dramatically affect your life. Prosecutors in Cumberland County take an aggressive stance on domestic violence, which makes understanding the specific allegations against you critical to mounting an effective defense.
Domestic Violence Assault
This charge applies when someone is accused of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical harm—or offensive contact—to a family or household member. Examples may include:
- Punching, slapping, or hitting
- Choking or strangling (which may lead to felony charges)
- Throwing objects or physically intimidating gestures
Even minor contact can result in charges, especially if there are past allegations or a history of conflict.
Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Criminal threatening involves actions or statements intended to make someone fear imminent bodily harm. This may include:
- Threatening to cause injury or death
- Brandishing a weapon to intimidate
- Any conduct that causes the victim to reasonably fear for their safety
These cases often depend on the alleged victim’s testimony, which means a criminal defense attorney must carefully challenge credibility and context.
Domestic Violence Terrorizing
Terrorizing involves making threats that cause serious fear or emotional distress. Charges may result from:
- Threatening harm to a partner, child, or loved one
- Communicating violent intentions, even without physical contact
- Psychological manipulation that leads to fear for personal safety
A conviction may lead to jail time, fines, and long-term restrictions through protection orders.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior that causes fear or emotional distress. Examples include:
- Repeated phone calls, texts, or unwanted communication
- Following someone to work, school, or home
- Using technology to track or monitor movements
Stalking charges often lead to immediate protective orders and can carry serious penalties if convicted.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
Sexual assault charges involve any non-consensual sexual act between individuals in a domestic relationship. This includes:
- Forcing or coercing sex acts
- Sexual contact with someone who is incapacitated or unable to consent
- Marital rape
Sexual assault is a felony in Maine and can result in significant prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct
This charge involves dangerous behavior that puts a partner or family member at risk of injury. Common examples include:
- Recklessly discharging a firearm in the home
- Driving dangerously with a child or partner in the vehicle
- Waving weapons or threatening objects during an argument
Depending on the situation, reckless conduct can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Freeport, Maine, it’s critical to take immediate legal action. Even false or exaggerated claims can result in arrest, public scrutiny, and lasting damage. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for your rights, challenge weak or misleading evidence, and help you pursue the strongest defense possible.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for domestic violence convictions in Freeport
A domestic violence conviction in Freeport, Maine, can have serious and lasting consequences, affecting your freedom, finances, and future. The legal system in Maine strictly prosecutes domestic violence offenses, and even a first-time conviction can result in jail time, fines, and restrictions on your rights. If you are facing charges, it’s critical to understand the potential domestic violence penalties and take immediate action to protect your future.
Penalties for a First-Time Domestic Violence Offense
For those accused of domestic violence assault for the first time, the charge is typically classified as a Class D misdemeanor under Maine law. This can result in:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Mandatory probation and counseling
- Protective orders preventing contact with the alleged victim
Even if you avoid jail time, a conviction will leave you with a criminal record, which can impact your employment, housing, and firearm rights.
Penalties for a Second Domestic Violence Offense
A second domestic violence charge, particularly if the alleged victim is the same person, is treated much more severely. With a prior conviction, the charge is often upgraded to a Class C felony, leading to:
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Stricter probation terms, including mandatory domestic violence intervention programs
- Longer protective orders, which may restrict contact with children or family members
Prosecutors are aggressive in pursuing repeat offenders, making it even more important to have a strong legal defense.
Penalties for Repeat Offenders Charges
If you have multiple domestic violence convictions or if the alleged offense involves aggravating factors—such as strangulation, the use of a weapon, or serious bodily harm—you may face felony charges with enhanced penalties, including:
- Extended prison sentences beyond five years
- Permanent firearm restrictions
- Inability to have contact with family members, even after serving a sentence
- Deportation for non-citizens
In Maine, even violating a protection order or bail conditions in a domestic violence case can lead to additional criminal charges, further complicating your legal situation.
Additional Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction in Freeport, Maine, can have long-lasting consequences beyond jail time and fines. Even after serving a sentence, individuals convicted of domestic violence often face significant personal, financial, and social challenges that can affect every aspect of their lives.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, it’s critical to understand these collateral consequences and take proactive steps to protect your future.
Impact on Child Custody and Parental Rights
If you are a parent facing domestic violence charges, your ability to maintain custody or visitation rights could be severely impacted. Maine family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and a conviction for domestic violence may result in:
- Loss of custody or restricted visitation due to safety concerns.
- Supervised visitation requirements, preventing you from being alone with your child.
- Difficulty modifying custody agreements in the future.
Even if the allegations are exaggerated or false, a domestic violence charge could negatively influence family court proceedings, making it essential to have a strong legal defense.
Firearm Restrictions
Under Maine and federal law, a conviction for domestic violence-related offenses results in a permanent ban on firearm ownership. This restriction applies whether the conviction is for a misdemeanor or felony. Violating this prohibition is a serious federal offense, potentially leading to additional charges and extended prison time.
Employment and Housing Challenges
A criminal record for domestic violence can make it extremely difficult to find or maintain employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction for a violent offense can disqualify you from certain jobs—especially in fields like education, healthcare, government, and law enforcement.
Housing can also be impacted, as:
- Landlords may deny applications based on a criminal record.
- Rental agreements may be terminated if a conviction violates lease terms.
- Public housing eligibility may be affected, limiting available options.
A domestic violence conviction can create barriers to stability, making it harder to rebuild your life after facing charges.
Professional Licensing and Immigration Consequences
If you hold a professional license—such as a medical, legal, or teaching certification—a conviction could lead to disciplinary actions or even license revocation. This can jeopardize your career and financial stability.
For non-U.S. citizens, a domestic violence conviction could result in deportation, visa denial, or difficulty obtaining citizenship. Immigration authorities treat domestic violence offenses as serious crimes, making it crucial to fight the charges with the help of a skilled defense attorney.
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction in Maine extend far beyond the courtroom. If you are facing charges, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands the complex legal system and will fight to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for Violating a Protection From Abuse Order in Freeport, Maine
If a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order has been issued against you in Freeport, Maine, violating it—intentionally or unintentionally—can carry serious legal consequences. These court orders are designed to prevent further abuse by restricting contact between the accused and the alleged victim, and they are strictly enforced by law enforcement and prosecutors in Cumberland County.
A first-time violation of a PFA order is typically charged as a Class D misdemeanor, which can result in:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- A fine of up to $2,000
If you violate a PFA order again, or if you are charged with another domestic violence-related offense while the order is active, the stakes increase significantly. You may face a Class C felony, which is punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Up to 3 years of probation
Even if the alleged contact was accidental or initiated by the protected party, you can still be arrested and prosecuted. That’s why it is critical to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Freeport as soon as possible if you are accused of violating a PFA order.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we understand the complexities of protection order violations and know how to build a defense that challenges overreaching claims, miscommunications, or procedural errors. We work to protect your rights and help you avoid the harsh penalties that come with these charges.
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Maine? (Video)
Contact Our Freeport Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Today
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Freeport, Maine, the consequences can be life-changing—jail time, heavy fines, loss of firearm rights, and long-term effects on your family, job, and housing. Even a single accusation can damage your reputation and alter your future.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Freeport domestic violence defense attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exposing weak evidence, and building a strong defense tailored to your case. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Call today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney near you.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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