The stakes are high when facing criminal charges in Saco, Maine, and The Maine Criminal Defense Group understands the profound impact these allegations can have on your future. Our dedicated and experienced criminal defense lawyers are committed to providing strategic, results-driven representation to protect your rights and help you move forward.
Based in Saco, Maine, our team, led by Attorney William Bly, brings over 50 years of combined legal expertise to the table. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, including OUI/DUI charges, drug offenses (such as possession, trafficking, and manufacturing), domestic violence accusations, sex crimes, assault charges, weapon violations, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the knowledge and determination to fight for your best possible outcome.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we approach every case with meticulous preparation and an unwavering focus on achieving justice for our clients. Whether negotiating reduced charges, exploring alternative resolutions, or taking your case to trial, we are by your side every step of the way. Serving clients across Maine, we are passionate about safeguarding your future and restoring your peace of mind. Reach out to discuss your case today.
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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In Saco, 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.
In Maine, the statute of limitations refers to the legally defined time limit in which a person must file a lawsuit or criminal charge after an alleged offense has occurred. Once this time limit expires, the court will typically refuse to hear the case, and the opportunity to seek legal remedy may be permanently lost.
Statutes of limitations are in place to ensure fairness in the legal process. Over time, evidence may be lost, witnesses may become unavailable or their memories may fade, making it difficult for either side to receive a fair trial. These time limits protect the rights of both plaintiffs and defendants by promoting timely pursuit of legal claims.
For criminal cases, the time limits vary by the severity and nature of the offense:
For sex crimes involving minors, the statute of limitations may be extended or paused until the victim reaches adulthood or discovers the abuse. This is intended to account for delayed reporting in trauma-related cases.
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.
Operating under the influence (OUI)—also known as DUI—is a serious criminal offense in Saco and across Maine. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Even a first-time OUI/DUI conviction in Maine can result in severe penalties, including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
Law enforcement officers often rely on field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and blood tests to support OUI/DUI charges. However, these methods are not always accurate—and an experienced Saco OUI lawyer can challenge the evidence to help protect your rights and fight the 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 Saco, 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.
In Saco Maine, sexual assault is a serious criminal charge that encompasses a range of offenses, from unlawful sexual contact to gross sexual assault (rape). These accusations often involve claims of non-consensual sexual activity, coercion, or engaging in sexual acts with someone legally unable to consent, such as a minor or an incapacitated individual. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lasting damage to personal and professional reputations.
If you have been charged with sexual assault in Maine, securing a skilled criminal defense attorney is critical to protecting your rights and future.
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.
Weapon charges in Saco often involve violations of Maine’s firearm laws, including unlawful possession, concealed carry without a permit, or possession by prohibited individuals. While Maine allows permitless concealed carry in many situations, there are still strict regulations surrounding where and how firearms can be carried.
In addition to state laws, federal gun laws may also apply—making these charges complex and serious. If you’re facing weapons or gun-related charges in Saco, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.
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.
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Saco, Maine. A skilled Saco defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and work to minimize the consequences of a criminal charge.
515 Elm Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
Phone: (207) 283-6000
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
If you get arrested and charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime in Saco, your case will be heard before the court in Biddeford. For details on the location of the court, parking, and unique aspects of the court, please see our page on the Biddeford District Court.
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.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Saco, Maine, is a critical step in protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome when facing criminal charges. The legal system can be overwhelming, with complex procedures, strict deadlines, and harsh penalties for convictions. An experienced attorney ensures that you understand your rights, provides strategic legal guidance, and works to build a strong defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer carefully examines the details of your case, including the evidence, police procedures, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. They can challenge unlawful searches, question unreliable testimony, and expose procedural errors that may lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges. Their ability to navigate the intricacies of criminal law in Maine can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Beyond trial representation, an attorney also plays a vital role in negotiating with prosecutors. Whether securing a favorable plea deal, reducing potential penalties, or exploring alternative sentencing options, their legal expertise helps you avoid the most severe consequences of a conviction. Their familiarity with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in Saco provides a strategic advantage in crafting a defense that aligns with the legal landscape of the area.
Facing criminal charges is a serious and stressful experience, but you do not have to go through it alone. The Maine Criminal Defense Group offers the knowledge, experience, and aggressive advocacy needed to protect your rights and fight for your future. If you are charged with a crime in Saco, securing a trusted legal defense is the best decision you can make.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Saco, securing skilled legal representation is essential. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of Maine’s criminal justice system and are ready to defend you against any charges, whether misdemeanors or felonies.
Every criminal offense comes with potential defense strategies, and our team will work tirelessly to build a strong case tailored to your situation. Acting quickly is critical, as early legal intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today by phone or online to discuss your case. We are committed to protecting your rights and providing the guidance you need to navigate the legal system with confidence. Let us help you take the first step toward securing your 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.
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 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.
"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!"
— John H.
In-office consultations are done by appointment only. Contact us today to schedule yours.
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 relationship. 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.
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.
