The impact of criminal charges on your life in Portland, Maine underscores the crucial role of The Maine Criminal Defense Group’s tenacious and highly skilled criminal defense lawyers, dedicated to navigating complexities, minimizing charges, and facilitating the path to reclaiming control over your life.
Our criminal defense attorneys, based in Portland, Maine, are resolute in guiding you through the formidable terrain of the criminal justice system.
Led by William Bly, our team boasts 50+ years of combined legal experience, adeptly handling cases spanning misdemeanors to complex felonies. We defend a diverse litany of criminal charges, including drug-related crimes (trafficking, possession, & production), sex crimes, domestic violence & assault, drunk driving charges, weapon charges, and more.
In the face of legal challenges, our approach at “The Maine Criminal Defense Group” is both strategic and thorough. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome, facilitating your journey to regain control of your life. Eager to discuss your case and explore available options, our unwavering advocacy extends throughout Maine, fiercely defending 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.
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In Portland, Maine there are a potential of 5 different categories for criminal charges & misdemeanors. These categories are broken down into the following offense: A, B, C, D, E, and F Class. They are classified starting with Class A being the most serious with the steepest penalties, while a class E charge will have lighter penalties with the potential of lower sentencing.
Class A criminal offenses are the most serious of crimes in the state of Maine. They are reserved for criminal charges related to murder, manslaughter, gross sexual assault & rape and aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs.
There is an exception to crimes committed where a dangerous weapon was used to commit said crime. If a dangerous weapon was used while the crime was committed then the class of crime would go up by one class. If the crime was already a class A crime, the judge will consider the use of the weapon when deciding the sentence.
Class A crimes are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Under Maine’s laws, a Class B crime can result in a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000.
Assaults that cause serious injury or are committed with deadly weapons are Class B crimes.
A Class C crime is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Tit. 17-A § § 1252, 1301.) For example, theft of property worth less than $10,000 but more than $1,000 is a Class C crime in Maine.
A class D offense is the highest level of misdemeanor charges. Some of the most common class D misdemeanors stem from domestic violence, assault, and with slight exceptions, any drinking under the influence charges.
A class D misdemeanor can carry a maximum penalty of up to 364 days of jail and a fine of up to $2000. It is recommended that you never simply plead guilty to any class D offense as the judge is known to sentence you to the maximum penalty from which there is little to no recourse available.
Make sure you speak with an experienced criminal attorney immediately if you are unsure.
Class E crimes carry a maximum penalty of a fine of up to a $1000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 180 days of jail. It is the class used for the least serious offenses like operating on a suspended license, disorderly conduct and theft under $1,000.
Along with Class D crimes, these charges are typically misdemeanors.
Each state sets restrictions that dictate a set length of time for a plaintiff to bring their case to court.
These restrictions are called statutes of limitations and are in place to keep details of the events fresh in the minds of both the plaintiff and defendant.
The clock on these statutes of limitations begins on the day the questionable act occurred. In Maine, the statute of limitations is 6 years.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
It is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol or with a BAC of 0.08% or greater in Maine; there are harsh penalties even for those who are convicted for the first time.
From breathalyzer tests to field sobriety tests, there are numerous methods that police officers use to charge someone with a DUI, and challenging these methods is the best way to defeat your charges.
A conviction on any drug charge can result in a criminal record, which could have a devastating impact on your future.
A drug conviction could result in serious jail time, end your travel to a number of countries, or even cost you your job. With so much at stake, it is important that you have strong representation from an effective criminal attorney.
Examples of common drug-related crimes in Portland, Maine are crimes involving illegal or controlled substances including drug possession, trafficking, cultivation of drugs, and prescription fraud.
Domestic violence arrests accounted for 45.1% of all arrests in Maine in 2010. It is relatively easy to accuse someone of domestic violence, and those who are wrongfully accused may have a difficult time saving their reputation, relationships and career. Thankfully, there is a way to challenge domestic violence charges.
Sex crimes are some of the worst crimes possible. Sex crimes are classified as Class A crimes in Maine, and carry harsh penalties, sentences, & fines. Title 17A, Chapter 11 covers all of the sex crime offenses in Maine which include but are not limited to:
As soon as an individual is convicted of certain sex crimes in Maine, they are required to register as a sex offender in the national registry and report on where they live, work and go to school. Sex offender registration is extremely detrimental to one’s future, and those who are accused of sex crimes must do everything in their power to avoid a conviction.
White-collar crimes include a full range of fraudulent activities committed by business and government professionals. From credit card fraud to embezzlement and identity theft, these non-violent crimes have the potential to destroy the career and reputation of the one who has been accused of committing them.
According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, a robbery was committed every 21 hours in Maine during the year of 2010. Robbery, burglary and other property theft crimes are on the rise throughout the entire state, and various District Attorney offices are aggressively prosecuting suspected offenders. The penalties for theft crimes can include lengthy prison time, especially if aggravating circumstances are involved.
The classification of violent crimes in Maine ranges from Class D misdemeanors to Class A felonies. Murder, manslaughter, assault, criminal threatening, stalking and terrorizing are but a few of the violent crimes that one can be accused of.
The gun laws in Maine regulate the possession, sale, and use of firearms and ammunition throughout the state. Maine allows for the concealed carry of a weapon upon the issue of a permit from the local or state police, and it is unlawful to carry any firearm concealed without this permit. In addition to federal gun laws, Maine state laws also prohibit people from carrying guns for other reasons as well.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM
Contact one of our experienced OUI defense attorneys in Portland, Maine to help you avoid much of the aforementioned pain and headache that comes with getting arrested for drinking and driving.
205 Newbury Street, Ground Floor,
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 822-4200
Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM
For details on the location of the court, parking, and unique aspects of the court, please see our page on the Portland District Court.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Engaging a criminal defense lawyer in Maine is a critical decision, offering multifaceted advantages. Legal intricacies demand expertise, and a seasoned attorney ensures comprehensive guidance. Safeguarding your rights is paramount; a skilled lawyer provides a protective shield against potential legal pitfalls, ensuring fair treatment throughout legal proceedings.
Strategic defense tailored to the specifics of Maine’s criminal laws is a cornerstone of legal representation. An experienced lawyer navigates nuances, crafting a robust defense to counter charges effectively. From assessing evidence to challenging legal procedures, the attorney’s role is to secure the best possible outcome for your unique case.
Moreover, a criminal defense lawyer brings an in-depth understanding of the local legal landscape and its nuances, potentially influencing the case’s trajectory. They are adept at negotiating with prosecutors, exploring potential avenues for reduced charges, plea bargains, or even case dismissal.
For every criminal offense, there is also a defense option. If you have been arrested in Portland, contact The Maine Criminal Defense
Group online or call us directly today. Our attorneys are experienced with the criminal system in Maine and will be able to assist you regardless of the charges you are facing.
No matter the criminal charges, the misdemeanor, or the felony, it is important that you seek legal help immediately after you are charged with any crime as the law is complex and a professional can help you navigate the system.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Contact our office to speak with
one of our team members who will set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Great group of people. Managed to get me a favorable outcome from a very bad situation. I would highly recommend this firm if you have legal troubles. Top notch performance!!
So thankful I chose this team to represent me. They’re the best, hands down. Nathan Hitchcock proved my innocence not once but TWICE, including a trial by jury. I have a family in law enforcement who told me “Bill Bly and his team are the best. If I would recommend anyone, it would be them.”
If you are facing criminal charges in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
"Bill Bly did an excellent job of listening and addressing our concerns. He answered all of our questions in a timely manner and got results. I highly recommend his services!"
— John H.
In-office consultations are done by appointment only. Contact us today to schedule yours.
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors; therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.
We are a boutique law firm, and we stand out by prioritizing our clients’ well-being. At The Maine Legal Group, our experienced team offers personalized attention in both criminal defense and divorce cases.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group adeptly handles all areas of criminal defense practice, including experienced and skilled legal representation for state and federal charges.
The Maine Divorce Group empowers individuals skillfully navigating divorce with compassionate guidance, ensuring a brighter future through the challenges of the process.
