Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.
Table of Contents
How is Murder Defined in Maine?
Maine law Title 17-A, section 201 states that “a person is guilty of murder if”
- The person “intentionally or knowingly” causes the loss of life to another person OR
- They act in a way he/she shows no regard for human life that results in the loss of life OR
- They “intentionally or knowingly” cause another to commit suicide through duress or deception
The stakes are never higher than when facing murder charges. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we stand as your unwavering legal allies in this most challenging of legal battles.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, building a robust defense, and working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome in the face of serious allegations.
Penalties For Murder in Maine
Maine’s law has a special set of penalties for murder offenders. All other crimes are sentenced based on a classification system of A to E except for murder. A murder conviction will lead to:
- A term of 25 years to life in prison
If the victim was a child under the age of 6 or a woman who the offender had “reasonable cause” to believe that she was pregnant, the court will take this into consideration.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.
Felony murder charges in Maine
Under Title 17-A, section 202.1:
A person is guilty of felony murder if acting alone or with one or more other persons in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or immediate flight after committing or attempting to commit, murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, gross sexual assault, or escape, the person or another participant in fact causes the death of a human being, and the death is a reasonably foreseeable consequence of such commission, attempt or flight.
Basically, a murder that results from a person or group of people committing or attempting to commit a crime is considered a felony murder. For example, 2 people decide to rob a bank. On the way out of the bank, they are stopped by a security guard. One of the two shoots the guard and kills them. Both people can be charged with felony murder because they worked in commission with each other.
What are the Potential Defenses for Murder in Maine?
There are several potential defenses to felony murder. They include arguing that the suspect:
- Did kill the victim and was not involved in the crime in any way
- Was not armed with a deadly weapon, therefore demonstrating that they did not intend on hurting anyone
- “Reasonably believed” that nobody involved in the crime was armed with a weapon and intended on hurting anyone
- “Reasonably believed” that no one involved in the crime had any intention of injuring or killing anyone
Contact a Murder Defense Lawyer in Maine
If you have been accused of murder, call our office right away. A murder offense is the most serious crime that a person can face. A conviction can lead to life in prison. Attorney William Bly has dedicated his practice to criminal defense and will stop at nothing to provide you with the best defense possible. Call now to find out more.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense attorneys today.
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