How does one place a domestic partner in fear of imminent bodily injury? The fear of imminent bodily injury is normally proven through the victim’s testimony. This testimony will often indicate that the defendant used a combination of statements and physical actions to make the victim believe that the defendant was about to strike, strangle, stab, etc., the victim.
An example would be if the defendant uttered the phrase “I’m going to punch your face in” and then punched the wall right next to his wife’s face. That type of conduct would absolutely qualify as domestic violence criminal threatening.
Understanding the nuances and legal definitions of domestic violence criminal threatening is crucial for anyone facing such charges. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing the strongest possible defense for individuals accused of these serious crimes. Let’s delve deeper into what constitutes domestic violence criminal threatening in Maine and explore how we can help protect your rights.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Table of Contents
What is criminal threatening in Maine?
In Maine, domestic violence criminal threatening, defined under Title 17-A §209-A, occurs when someone threatens a family member, household member, or dating partner with harm. This can be charged as a Class D crime. If the person has prior convictions for similar offenses or related violations, the penalties can be more severe, including higher charges and longer sentences.
This law aims to protect individuals from threats within domestic or intimate relationships and ensures stricter consequences for repeat offenders.
What are the criminal threatening penalties in Maine?
If convicted of a crime of Domestic Violence criminal threatening, you’re facing the following penalties, which apply in all misdemeanor level criminal cases:
- Fine of up to $2,000.00
- Maximum jail time of up to 364 days
Because this is a crime of domestic violence, additional penalties that are specific to DV cases may apply as well:
- Probation of up to 2 years
- Enrollment in a 48 week Certified Batterers Intervention Program
If you’re placed on probation, you’re receiving a split sentence. That means an underlying sentence including a period of jail is being imposed, such as 120 days of jail. However, in most cases, the jail time is either fully or partially suspended.
For example, the sentence might read: 120 days to the County Jail, all but 48 hours suspended, 2 years probation. That means you have to go to jail for 48 hours and while you’re on probation, you have 118 days of jail time hanging over your head. That way, if you experience compliance problems while on probation, they can fully revoke your probation term and send you to jail for 118 days, or they partially revoke your probation and give you a shock sentence of 7 days, with probation to continue.
Either way, probation is bad news for most people as many folks have a difficult time successfully completing their term of probation.
What are Collateral Consequences of Criminal Threatening?
As with most crimes of Domestic Violence, a conviction is a lifelong stigma that can continue to cause problems in your future. You can be denied employment opportunities if convicted of the crime. You can also be terminated from your employment for a crime of Domestic Violence.
If you’re a member of the military, you’ll receive UCMJ punishment and will likely be drummed out of the service.
If you hold a professional license such as a lawyer, an accountant, a nurse, a doctor, or a pharmacist, you’ll likely have to report the offense to your professional board of overseers. In many cases, you’ll be required to report the mere fact that you’ve been charged with a crime, while other professional boards will only require you to inform them of a conviction.
Contact a Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening Lawyer in Maine
As you can see, there are numerous problems concerning domestic violence convictions. The best way to avoid those problems is to ensure you retain the right criminal defense attorney to fight the charges and secure your future.
At the Law Offices of The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to fight for you. Contact our offices today to find out how our Maine domestic violence defense lawyers can help you!
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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