Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in Biddeford, Maine
Being accused of domestic violence in Biddeford, Maine, is a serious matter that can have immediate and long-term consequences. Even before a conviction, you may face restraining orders, loss of custody, and damage to your reputation. A conviction can lead to jail time, permanent firearm restrictions, and a criminal record that affects your job, housing, and relationships.
These cases often arise from emotionally charged situations—sometimes involving misunderstandings or false accusations. Police and prosecutors in York County treat domestic violence claims seriously and pursue them aggressively, even when the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled criminal defense attorney near you who can intervene early, protect your rights, and guide you through the process.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Biddeford criminal defense attorneys bring decades of experience to every case. We scrutinize the evidence, challenge inconsistent testimony, and ensure your side of the story is heard. If you’re a non-citizen, we also assess potential immigration consequences to help you make informed decisions about your 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.
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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 Biddeford, 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 Biddeford, Maine
Domestic violence charges in Biddeford can involve a wide range of conduct—and all come with serious consequences. From protective orders to felony convictions, these cases can quickly turn your life upside down. Prosecutors pursue domestic violence aggressively in York County, which is why understanding the specific charges you’re facing is critical to building an effective legal defense.
Domestic Violence Assault
This charge involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury—or offensive physical contact—to a household or family member. Common examples include:
- Hitting, punching, or slapping
- Choking or strangling (which may elevate charges to a felony)
- Throwing objects or spitting during a dispute
Even seemingly minor physical contact can lead to criminal charges, especially if there’s a history of alleged abuse or prior convictions.
Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Criminal threatening includes words or actions that make someone fear immediate physical harm. This may involve:
- Verbal threats of violence
- Displaying a weapon to intimidate
- Threatening behavior that causes emotional fear
These charges often lack physical evidence, making it essential to work with a defense attorney who can challenge the credibility of the accusation.
Domestic Violence Terrorizing
This offense covers threats that cause fear for one’s safety or the safety of others. Examples include:
- Threatening to harm a partner, child, or family member
- Statements suggesting violent intent
- Emotional manipulation that causes significant distress
A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and restraining orders that affect your everyday life.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking charges involve repeated, unwanted conduct that creates fear. This could include:
- Constant calls, messages, or attempts at contact
- Showing up uninvited at someone’s home or work
- Tracking or monitoring a partner’s movements
These cases often involve protective orders and can have serious legal consequences.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
This includes any non-consensual sexual activity between partners or family members, including:
- Coerced or forced sex acts
- Sexual contact with an incapacitated person
- Marital rape
Sexual assault is a felony in Maine and may result in long prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct
This charge applies when someone puts a household member at risk through dangerous actions, such as:
- Firing a weapon recklessly in the home
- Aggressive driving with a partner or child present
- Handling dangerous objects in a threatening way
Depending on the facts, reckless conduct can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Biddeford, Maine, it is crucial to act quickly. Prosecutors take these cases seriously, and even a false accusation can have life-altering consequences. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights, challenging weak evidence, and building a strong defense to fight the charges against 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.
Penalties for domestic violence convictions in Biddeford
A domestic violence conviction in Biddeford, 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 Biddeford, 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 Protection From Abuse Orders
If the abused party files a protective order, any violation of a protection from abuse order can lead to severe consequences. A Protection from Abuse Order issued by the court prohibits any contact and prevents further abuse.
If an individual violates the no-contact restrictions, they will be charged with a class D misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.00.
If an individual chooses to violate the PFA again or is charged with another crime of domestic violence, they will be facing a class C felony, and punished accordingly. Under Maine law, a class C felony carries the possibility of up to 5 years in state prison, a fine of $5,000.00 and 3 years of probation.
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Maine? (Video)
Contact Our Biddeford Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Biddeford, Maine, you could be facing jail time, steep fines, firearm restrictions, and lasting damage to your future—including child custody, employment, and housing opportunities.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Biddeford domestic violence defense attorneys have the experience and determination to protect your rights and challenge the case against you. Call now or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a trusted 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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