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Firearm prohibition for domestic violence misdemeanors in Maine
Under Maine law, individuals convicted of certain domestic violence misdemeanors are temporarily prohibited from possessing firearms. This prohibition is designed to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of further harm in cases involving domestic violence. The offenses that trigger this firearm prohibition include:
- Domestic violence assault
- Domestic violence criminal threatening
- Domestic violence terrorizing
- Domestic violence stalking
- Domestic violence reckless conduct
- Similar crimes committed in other jurisdictions
This restriction also applies to individuals adjudicated for engaging in such conduct as juveniles. The prohibition lasts for five years from the date the person is fully discharged from the sentence, including jail time, probation, or parole.
It’s important to note that this firearm restriction does not extend to individuals convicted of similar crimes against dating partners, as defined under Maine law.
Domestic violence charges and possession of a firearm in Maine
Domestic Violence Assault is a lifetime prohibition from ever using, owning, or possessing a firearm. If you make the horrible mistake of disregarding that prohibitions and six or seven years from now you decide to go hunting with your buddies up in the Allagash, and you get pulled over by the warden and get arrested, you are now facing a federal felony for which you can be imprisoned for five years.
Pleading guilty to a domestic violence conviction carries serious consequences regarding firearms that many people don’t fully understand until it’s too late. A conviction doesn’t just prohibit you from owning or using firearms—it also means you cannot legally purchase one, such as from retailers like Cabela’s. The law can create challenges even in everyday scenarios.
For example, if you’re simply driving friends to a camp where firearms are present, law enforcement may err on the side of caution and assume you’re violating the prohibition, even if you’re not in possession of a firearm yourself. This could lead to an arrest and potentially expose you to federal charges. For those convicted of domestic violence, even being in proximity to firearms can create significant legal risks.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights to own a firearm in Maine, call The Maine Criminal Defense Group at (207) 571-8146 or contact us directly online to learn more.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
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