Domestic violence cases can be some of the most challenging to deal with for everyone involved. Families with children can...
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Criminal Defense Attorneys in Maine
According to the 2010 Maine Crime Report provided by Maine.gov, a crime is committed somewhere in the state every fifteen minutes and ten seconds. Criminal charges are a common occurrence, but many people are unaware of the lasting impact that a criminal conviction will have on their future.
If you have been accused of a crime for the first time, you may be wondering what can be done to avoid conviction and these harsh penalties?
Our Maine criminal defense lawyers are determined to help you through the frightening process of the criminal justice system.
We focus exclusively on criminal defense law and have provided this helpful information so that you can understand the charges brought against you and the precise laws that may protect your rights. Click any of the links below to learn more about a specific criminal offense.
The criminal justice system is prone to errors, and every convicted defendant has the right to file an appeal of their sentence.
Winning a criminal appeal can be difficult because you must be able to prove that a substantial and prejudicial error was committed during the course of your trial, as errors that are “harmless” do not qualify.
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Common Types of Criminal Defense Cases in Maine
DUI / OUI Charges
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.
Drug Crimes
Crimes involving illegal or controlled substances in the state of Maine include drug possession, trafficking, cultivation of drugs, and prescription fraud. Over 5,345 adults and 567 juveniles were arrested for drug charges in Maine in 2009, and the penalties under the law for these offenses are severe.
Probation Violation
Nearly 35% of all state prison admissions in 2006 were offenders who returned to jail as a result of probation violations. If you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation, you must take swift action to protect your rights and avoid suffering the penalties of your original offense.
Domestic Violence
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
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.
White Collar Crimes
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.
Juvenile Criminal Offenses
Individuals who have committed a crime will be tried in juvenile court up to the age of eighteen, but juveniles may also be tried as adults in certain situations. The effects of a juvenile conviction may carry over into other aspects of the juvenile’s life and may affect future employment, driver’s licensing privileges, and public benefits.
Theft Crimes
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.
Violent Crimes
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.
Weapons Charges
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.
Federal Charges
Individuals who are accused of federal crimes will likely be under investigation from federal agencies such as the FBI or DEA. Federal drug cases, Social Security fraud, federal gun charges, PPP fraud, and federal probation violations are but a few of the federal offenses that one can be charged within Maine, and many cyber-crimes are handled by federal agencies as well.
How does a civil case differ from a criminal case in Maine?
A criminal case in Maine generally involves a witness or victim reporting the offense to a law enforcement officer – or a law enforcement officer stopping an individual.
The State will then decide whether to file criminal charges against the accused, based on the requirement to maintain order in society, provide justice for the victim, rehabilitate the accused, protect the public, and to deter other potential offenders.
For a case to proceed, a prosecutor or a Grand Jury must approve the charges.
The criminal case will be known as “State of Maine v. Defendant” and, if the prosecution proves guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt”, a jail sentence may be handed down by the judge. The freedom of the accused is at stake, so the burden of proof is necessarily high.
A civil case is very different. It can be brought by one or more individuals to resolve a dispute, such as a divorce, breach of contract or landlord-tenant disputes. Jail terms are not possible penalties in such cases.
The person who initiates the lawsuit is known as the “plaintiff” and in order to win the civil case, it must be demonstrated by “a preponderance of the evidence” that he or she is in the right.
The burden of proof is, therefore, lower in a civil case than a criminal case, where “beyond a reasonable doubt” is used.
How does probation differ from parole?
Probation and parole are often confused but are actually very different.
Probation is a specific period of time during which a person found guilty of a criminal offense in Maine must report to his or her probation officer.
The officer is responsible for supervising the offender during this period, with a set of specific conditions imposed by the court that the offender must observe closely.
The offender must commit no further criminal activity to avoid probation being revoked and returning to jail.
Parole, on the other hand, is an early release from a prison sentence imposed on a person found guilty of a crime.
During this period, the released offender will be monitored and, if the conditions of their parole are broken, they may be readmitted to jail.
Note that Maine no longer imposes sentences with “eligibility for parole”. However, if you are convicted of a crime and sent to jail, you may qualify for “good time” credits. These may add up to an early release from a jail sentence.
Sometimes, probation follows a jail sentence. This is known as a “split sentence”. This involves a period of time served and a “suspended” sentence for a specific period afterwards. Perhaps the confusion between probation and parole stems from this.
Criminal felonies and misdemeanors in Maine
Criminal offenses are usually divided into felonies (the most serious with the harshest penalties) and misdemeanors, which usually carry smaller fines, temporary punishments, and minimal jail time.
In Maine, criminal offences are generally referred to according to their class: from A to E, with Class A, B and C crimes considered felonies and Class D and E offenses considered misdemeanors.
Types of misdemeanors in Maine
With misdemeanor offenses, there are few mandatory minimum sentences and considerable leeway is often provided when sentencing.
Class E misdemeanor offenses are the least serious criminal offenses in Maine and may include:
- Shoplifting
- Driving on a suspended license
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal trespass
For Class E misdemeanors, a maximum penalty of six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 can apply. Probation is uncommon.
Common Class D misdemeanor offenses in Maine include:
- OUI
- Most domestic violence cases (though they may be elevated to a felony)
- Drug possession
For Class D misdemeanors, a maximum penalty of one year behind bars and a fine of up to $2,000 can apply.
Types of felony offenses in Maine
Common Class C felony offenses include:
For such crimes, a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 can apply.
Class B offenses include:
For such crimes, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000 can apply.
Class A offenses are the most serious crimes under Maine law and include
For such crimes, a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 can apply (but murder has its own sentencing rules).
Additional consequences of a criminal conviction in Maine
If you are convicted of a criminal offense in Maine, you will face other consequences in addition to the criminal penalties outlined above.
All criminal convictions result in a criminal record that shows on background checks, which can affect employment, career choices, housing, travel, and other areas of your life.
Felonies can result in especially harsh consequences, including the loss of a professional license, the loss of the right to vote or own a firearm, and even the loss of custody rights.
Is operating under the influence (OUI) considered a criminal offense in Maine?
In Maine, operating under the influence (OUI) is the term used for the offense of driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or over.
This is a criminal offense and it can stay on both your criminal record and driving record permanently.
Despite popular belief, it doesn’t expire after a certain time period and it can continue to negatively impact employment, financial matters, and freedom of travel for the rest of your life.
These long-term consequences are in addition to the immediate penalties, such as an automatic license suspension, substantial fines, and even a possible jail sentence.
That’s why it’s imperative to seek experienced legal representation to defend OUI charges in Maine.
Can I have my criminal record expunged in Maine?
There is no provision within Maine law for the expungement of adult criminal records – with only one exception.
That is for convictions for Class E crimes (the least serious criminal offenses) committed by people aged 18 to 21 years old at the time of the offense.
Expungement of Class E convictions for youthful offenders
A few examples of Class E crimes include:
- Operating on a suspended license
- Disorderly conduct
- Theft under $1,000
If you were between the ages of 18 and 21 when you were convicted of such a crime, you may petition the court for an expungement providing you meet the following conditions:
- You wait four years after completing all terms of your sentence
- There are no other convictions on your record
- No other charges against you have been dismissed as a result of deferred disposition
- You have not committed a juvenile crime for which the hearing was open to the public
- No other charges are pending against you
- Your crime was not of a sexual nature
Contact a Maine Criminal Defense Attorney today
Criminal accusations carry serious repercussions and when such aggressive charges are placed on you, you need equally aggressive attorneys like The Maine Criminal Defense Group to protect your rights and civil liberty.
Regardless of whether you have been accused of a Class E misdemeanor crime or a Class A felony crime, you should never be without legal representation in the courtroom.
When you contact a criminal defense attorney about your case, make sure that the attorney has handled similar cases before and ask for information on their past case results.
Our Maine criminal defense attorneys for your case will have a thorough understanding of the law and a passion for proving your innocence or helping clients obtain the most favorable outcomes.
Contact us today for a consultation.
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Top Notch Firm
I highly recommend The Maine Criminal Defense Group. All the staff are very polite, compassionate and informative. They answered all my questions and came to the best solution for my situation. I appreciate their guidance through this tough period. Many thanks to Nathan Hitchcock, Bill Bly and the team.
Oustanding
Mr. Bill Bly and his team have been nothing short of phenomenal. They resolved my case with breakneck expertise. Would have liked to thank them in person. I am so thankful and fortunate I chose their firm. Highly recommend Bill Bly and the Maine Criminal Defense Group.
Excellent Service
Bill Bly did an excellent job of listening and addressing our concerns. He answered all of our questions in a timely manner and got results. I highly recommend his services!!!
A TRULY EXCELLENT ATTORNEY
I have had the honor and privilege of working with Mr. Bly who was extremely knowledgeable and thorough and whose expertise in all legal matters was truly outstanding. Mr. Bly was kind, and helpful every step of the way. I would highly recommend Mr. Bly. There can be no attorney…
William is salt of the earth
I’ve gotten to know William through numerous legal conferences and have been incredibly impressed with how serious he cares about his clients and how he is a true human who wants to take care of your future. I will always refer my clients to his firm whenever I can.
A Great Firm!
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…
Ryan M.
THANK YOU ATTORNEY BLY! I WOULD TRUST ATTY BLY W/ MY LIFE ... IN FACT, I DID! There is very little in this world that scares me more than the jail cell bars being locked and knowing that I am trapped behind bars in prison. However, after a "Hit &…
Andrew S.
5 STARS FOR BILL BLY AND STAFF While on vacation in Maine, I was arrested for OUI. Prior to this happening to me, I had never been in trouble with the law before and was completely overwhelmed and embarrassed by the situation. Coming from a world away in California, I…
Aaron O.
PITBULL If you are looking for the best DUI lawyer around its Bill Bly!! A++ service and he turned a .20 DUI into vanishing air. Thanks again Bill!! You are the man!! Thanks for fighting for my rights!!
Sam T.
HIRE BILL BLY! YOU WON'T REGRET IT. My experience working with Mr. Bly has been a great experience. Never having to wait for an answer is HUGE when dealing with difficult situations. Gets back within the day if not within the hour. I would highly recommend this law firm. Give…
Brenda A.
RECOMMEND YOU TO ANYONE I want to thank you for all your help. I was in a bad place when I first came to you. You really helped me through a terrible time. I would definitely recommend you to anyone that needs help. I just wanted to say thank you…
Melissa C.
WON'T HESITATE TO REFER YOU Thank you for everything you did for my son. He and I both appreciate the hard work that you put into this case. He has been able to turn his life around now this is behind him. I know that you are paid to do…
David M.
ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS I want to thank you for everything you have done for my family. You have gone above & beyond our expectations and you are to be commended for such a solid, compelling case. You are a great attorney and an even greater person. We have…
Robert N.
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…
Manuel G.
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…
Rachel P.
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…
Abigail Z.
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…
Alison R.
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…
Jerry E.
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…
Wade C.
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…
Vicky L.
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…
Michael S.
I VERY MUCH RECOMMEND MR. BLY I was lucky to have contacted Mr. Bly in a matter that unfairly could have changed my life. He was very open, concerned, and committed to helping me. He answered every call promptly, never lost interest in my case, and went out of his…
Amanda F.
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…
John S.
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…
Thomas F.
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…
Emma W.
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.…
Frank S.
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…
Terry L.
RECOMMENDATION Bill Bly is very professional, does his homework and he is very thorough. And his staff is the same. He and his staff returned all my phone calls and kept us abreast of the progress in our case. I highly recommend him.
Max C.
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…
Mia P.
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.
Trent Q.
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…
Fredrick D.
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…
John Y.
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…
Ava L.
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…
Melissa G.
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…
Amy O.
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…
Mary S.
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…
Warren H.
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…
Dawn S.
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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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
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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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