What Is a Motion to Suppress in Maine Criminal Cases?
A motion to suppress is a powerful legal tool used in Maine criminal defense cases to challenge the admissibility of evidence that may have been obtained unlawfully. Commonly filed before trial, this motion argues that evidence—such as statements made to police, results of field sobriety tests, or seized physical evidence—should be excluded if it was gathered in violation of your constitutional rights. In OUI and drug-related cases, suppression hearings often focus on whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to conduct a stop, search, or arrest.
If the judge grants the motion, the prosecution may lose a critical piece of its case, which could lead to a dismissal or significantly improved plea deal.
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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Legal Standards for Suppression in Maine
Under Maine law, police must meet specific legal thresholds during an investigation:
- Reasonable Suspicion: This is required for an initial stop or detention. It’s a low threshold but must be based on specific, articulable facts suggesting criminal activity.
- Probable Cause: A higher standard, needed to justify an arrest or a search without a warrant.
- Consent or a Valid Warrant: For searches of vehicles, homes, or personal belongings, consent or a lawfully issued warrant is typically required.
In a motion to suppress hearing, your attorney will present arguments and cross-examine witnesses—often the arresting officers—to determine whether these legal standards were met. If the court finds the officer overstepped constitutional bounds, the evidence can be thrown out.
What Happens If You Lose a Motion to Suppress in Maine?
Even if the judge denies your motion to suppress, the case is far from over. You still have important legal choices ahead:
- Negotiating a Plea Agreement: Following an unsuccessful motion, your defense attorney may be able to revisit negotiations and seek a more favorable resolution, such as a reduced charge or alternative sentencing.
- Proceeding to Trial: If the plea offer remains unfavorable, and trial issues remain strong, it may be worth taking the case to court. In Maine, many criminal cases have been won at trial despite early setbacks in suppression hearings.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed or resolve a case belongs to the client, but should always be made with the guidance of an experienced defense lawyer familiar with Maine’s criminal courts and judges.
Strategic Defense Matters — Know Your Options
Motions to suppress are more than just legal filings—they are often the first major turning point in a criminal case. If you’re facing criminal charges in Maine and believe evidence against you was obtained unlawfully, it’s critical to consult with a seasoned criminal defense attorney. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we evaluate every case for constitutional violations and aggressively challenge improper police conduct to protect your rights and 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.
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