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The impact of criminal charges on your life in Lewiston, Maine underscores the crucial role of The Maine Criminal Defense Group’s tenacious and highly skilled criminal defense lawyers, dedicated to navigating complexities, minimizing charges, and facilitating the path to reclaiming control over your life.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Lewiston, Maine, The Maine Criminal Defense Group is ready to defend your rights and protect your future. Our team, led by veteran attorney William Bly, represents individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges from misdemeanor offenses to serious felony cases.
We defend clients throughout Androscoggin County in matters involving drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, sex offenses, theft, drunk driving (OUI), weapons charges, and more. No matter the charge, we take a strategic, client-focused approach aimed at securing the best possible outcome for your situation.
Facing the criminal justice system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. When you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Lewiston, you gain a dedicated advocate committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
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[...]
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In Lewiston, Maine there are a potential of 5 different categories for criminal charges & misdemeanors. These categories are broken down into the following offense: A, B, C, D, E, and F Class. They are classified starting with Class A being the most serious with the steepest penalties, while a class E charge will have lighter penalties with the potential of lower sentencing.
Class A criminal offenses are the most serious of crimes in the state of Maine. They are reserved for criminal charges related to murder, manslaughter, gross sexual assault & rape and aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs.
There is an exception to crimes committed where a dangerous weapon was used to commit said crime. If a dangerous weapon was used while the crime was committed then the class of crime would go up by one class. If the crime was already a class A crime, the judge will consider the use of the weapon when deciding the sentence.
Class A crimes are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Under Maine’s laws, a Class B crime can result in a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000.
Assaults that cause serious injury or are committed with deadly weapons are Class B crimes.
A Class C crime is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Tit. 17-A § § 1252, 1301.) For example, theft of property worth less than $10,000 but more than $1,000 is a Class C crime in Maine.
A class D offense is the highest level of misdemeanor charges. Some of the most common class D misdemeanors stem from domestic violence, assault, and with slight exceptions, any drinking under the influence charges.
A class D misdemeanor can carry a maximum penalty of up to 364 days of jail and a fine of up to $2000. It is recommended that you never simply plead guilty to any class D offense as the judge is known to sentence you to the maximum penalty from which there is little to no recourse available.
Make sure you speak with an experienced criminal attorney immediately if you are unsure.
Class E crimes carry a maximum penalty of a fine of up to a $1000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 180 days of jail. It is the class used for the least serious offenses like operating on a suspended license, disorderly conduct and theft under $1,000.
Along with Class D crimes, these charges are typically misdemeanors.
Each state sets restrictions that dictate a set length of time for a plaintiff to bring their case to court.
These restrictions are called statutes of limitations and are in place to keep details of the events fresh in the minds of both the plaintiff and defendant.
The clock on these statutes of limitations begins on the day the questionable act occurred. In Maine, the statute of limitations is 6 years.
In Lewiston, if charged with an OUI the law states it is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol or with a BAC of 0.08% or greater in Maine; there are harsh penalties even for those who are convicted for the first time.
From breathalyzer tests to field sobriety tests, there are numerous methods that police officers use to charge someone with a DUI, and challenging these methods is the best way to defeat your charges.
A conviction on any drug charge can result in a criminal record, which could have a devastating impact on your future.
A drug conviction could result in serious jail time, end your travel to a number of countries, or even cost you your job. With so much at stake, it is important that you have strong representation from an effective criminal attorney.
Examples of common drug-related crimes in Lewiston, Maine are crimes involving illegal or controlled substances including drug possession, trafficking, cultivation of drugs, and prescription fraud.
Domestic violence arrests accounted for 45.1% of all arrests in Maine in 2010. It is relatively easy to accuse someone of domestic violence, and those who are wrongfully accused may have a difficult time saving their reputation, relationships and career. Thankfully, there is a way to challenge domestic violence charges.
Sex crimes are some of the worst crimes possible. Sex crimes are classified as Class A crimes in Maine, and carry harsh penalties, sentences, & fines. Title 17A, Chapter 11 covers all of the sex crime offenses in Maine which include but are not limited to:
As soon as an individual is convicted of certain sex crimes in Maine, they are required to register as a sex offender in the national registry and report on where they live, work and go to school. Sex offender registration is extremely detrimental to one’s future, and those who are accused of sex crimes must do everything in their power to avoid a conviction.
Sexual assault is one of the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in Lewiston and throughout Maine. These cases often involve allegations of non-consensual sexual activity, coercion, or sexual acts involving individuals who are legally unable to consent, such as minors or those who are mentally or physically incapacitated. Offenses may range from unlawful sexual contact to gross sexual assault, which is Maine’s legal term for rape.
A conviction can lead to significant consequences, including long-term imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation, employment opportunities, and personal relationships. The social and legal stakes are high, even at the accusation stage.
If you have been charged with sexual assault in Lewiston, it is essential to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of Maine law and can provide a strategic, evidence-based defense.
Facing child pornography charges in Lewiston, Maine is an extremely serious legal matter that can result in harsh penalties, including federal prosecution, mandatory prison time, and lifetime sex offender registration. If you’re under investigation or have been charged, it’s critical to work with an experienced Lewiston criminal defense attorney who understands how to challenge digital evidence and protect your rights at every stage of the case.
White-collar crimes include a full range of fraudulent activities committed by business and government professionals. From credit card fraud to embezzlement and identity theft, these non-violent crimes have the potential to destroy the career and reputation of the one who has been accused of committing them.
According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, a robbery was committed every 21 hours in Maine during the year of 2010. Robbery, burglary and other property theft crimes are on the rise throughout the entire state, and various District Attorney offices are aggressively prosecuting suspected offenders. The penalties for theft crimes can include lengthy prison time, especially if aggravating circumstances are involved.
The classification of violent crimes in Maine ranges from Class D misdemeanors to Class A felonies. Murder, manslaughter, assault, criminal threatening, stalking and terrorizing are but a few of the violent crimes that one can be accused of.
The gun laws in Maine regulate the possession, sale, and use of firearms and ammunition throughout the state. Maine allows for the concealed carry of a weapon upon the issue of a permit from the local or state police, and it is unlawful to carry any firearm concealed without this permit. In addition to federal gun laws, Maine state laws also prohibit people from carrying guns for other reasons as well.
119 Main Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Phone: (207) 571-8146
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Lewiston, Maine. A skilled Lewiston criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and work to minimize the consequences of a criminal charge.
71 Lisbon Street,
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 795-4800
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Lewiston, Maine, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a decisive difference in the outcome of your case. Maine’s criminal justice system is complex, and navigating it without skilled legal guidance puts your rights, freedom, and future at serious risk.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Lewiston-based attorneys provide strategic, results-driven representation for clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Here’s why hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Lewiston is essential:
Law enforcement and prosecutors are trained to build cases against you—not to protect your rights. A skilled defense lawyer serves as your first line of defense, ensuring:
Criminal defense is not one-size-fits-all. A Lewiston criminal defense attorney knows the local court system, judges, and prosecution strategies—giving you an edge when negotiating plea deals or pushing for charge reductions.
This local insight can influence everything from pre-trial motions to sentencing outcomes and case dismissal opportunities.
Your attorney will:
Whether you’re facing OUI, drug charges, domestic violence, or white-collar crimes, a defense tailored to your unique circumstances is key to achieving the best possible outcome.
An experienced criminal lawyer can often negotiate favorable plea deals, seek case dismissals, or argue for alternative sentencing options such as deferred disposition or probation. Without representation, you could unknowingly accept consequences that a lawyer may have helped you avoid.
Criminal charges can have lifelong consequences—from jail time and fines to damage to your personal and professional reputation. If you’re searching for a criminal defense lawyer in Lewiston, ME, don’t wait until it’s too late.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we’re here to defend your rights, fight your charges, and guide you every step of the way. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help protect your future.
Every criminal charge has a potential defense—but the sooner you act, the stronger your position can be. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Lewiston, Maine, contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today. Our attorneys understand the local courts and criminal procedures, and we’re ready to help you respond strategically to any charge you may be facing.
Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or a serious felony, early legal representation is critical. The criminal justice system is complex, and having an experienced defense lawyer by your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. Don’t wait—reach out online or call us now to speak with a trusted criminal defense attorney serving Lewiston and the surrounding areas.
Lewiston, Maine, is a culturally rich city nestled along the Androscoggin River, known for its strong Franco-American heritage, historic mill buildings, and growing arts scene. As one of the largest cities in the state, Lewiston offers a diverse population and a bustling downtown, while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. But like any thriving city, Lewiston residents may encounter challenges with the criminal justice system—whether it’s a first-time OUI charge, an accusation of a sex crime, or more serious felony offenses.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our team brings over 85 years of combined experience to defending individuals in Lewiston and surrounding communities. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, including drug charges, domestic violence, sex crime allegations, and DUI/OUI offenses. No matter the charge, we’re committed to helping our clients protect their rights, their freedom, and their future. Request a consultation today and let us help you get your life back on track.
Contact our office to speak with
one of our team members who will set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
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!!
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.”
If you are facing criminal charges or an OUI/DUI offense in Maine, the defense 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.
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 adeptly handles all areas of criminal defense practice, including experienced and skilled legal representation for state and federal charges.
The Maine Divorce Group empowers individuals skillfully navigating divorce with compassionate guidance, ensuring a brighter future through the challenges of the process.