Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in Scarborough, Maine
Domestic violence cases are emotionally complex and often based on one person’s version of events. False accusations, misunderstandings, or exaggerated claims can quickly escalate into criminal charges. Law enforcement and prosecutors in Cumberland County take these cases seriously—and you need a strong legal advocate in your corner from the very beginning.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced Scarborough domestic violence defense lawyers understand what’s at stake. Led by a team with deep knowledge of Maine criminal law, we know how to challenge weak evidence, uncover inconsistencies, and defend your rights throughout the legal process. We also work with non-citizen clients to evaluate the immigration risks associated with domestic violence charges.
If you’re searching for a domestic violence attorney near you in Scarborough, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of protecting your freedom and your future. Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building 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.
Table of Contents
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 Scarborough, 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 Scarborough
Domestic violence in Scarborough, Maine, covers a range of offenses, each carrying serious legal, personal, and professional consequences. Prosecutors aggressively pursue domestic violence charges, and a conviction can lead to jail time, restraining orders, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been accused, understanding the types of domestic violence offenses is essential for building a strong defense.
Domestic Violence Assault
- Domestic violence assault involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily harm or offensive physical contact to a household or family member. This can include:
- Hitting, punching, or slapping
- Choking or strangulation (which may result in upgraded felony charges)
- Throwing objects, spitting, or other aggressive physical actions
Even minor physical contact can lead to serious misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on prior offenses or the severity of the alleged incident.
Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Verbal threats or actions intended to place another person in fear of imminent harm fall under domestic violence criminal threatening. Examples include:
- Threatening physical harm or death
- Displaying a weapon in a threatening manner
- Making statements intended to cause fear
These cases often involve no physical evidence, making it crucial to work with an experienced defense attorney who can challenge the credibility of the allegations.
Domestic Violence Terrorizing
A person may face domestic violence terrorizing charges if they make threats that cause the alleged victim to fear for their safety or the safety of others. These charges may arise from:
- Threatening harm to a partner, child, or household member
- Statements that suggest violent intentions, even if no action is taken
- Situations involving emotional distress or coercion
A terrorizing conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and long-term restraining orders.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking charges involve a pattern of behavior that causes an individual to fear for their safety. This may include:
- Repeated unwanted contact, calls, or messages
- Following or showing up at a person’s home or workplace
- Monitoring, tracking, or attempting to control someone’s movements
A protective order is often issued in stalking cases, which can have significant legal and personal consequences.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
Sexual violence includes any non-consensual sexual contact between intimate partners, including within a marriage. Offenses under this category include:
- Forcing or coercing sexual acts
- Marital rape
- Engaging in sexual activity with an incapacitated or unwilling partner
Sexual assault is a felony offense in Maine, carrying severe penalties, including prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.
Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct
Reckless conduct occurs when someone engages in dangerous behavior that puts a partner or family member at risk. Examples include:
- Discharging a firearm recklessly in a domestic setting
- Driving aggressively with a partner or child in the car
- Handling weapons or objects in a threatening manner
This charge can result in misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on the circumstances.
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Scarborough, 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 Scarborough
A domestic violence conviction in Scarborough, 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 Scarborough, 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 Scarborough Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Scarborough, Maine, the consequences can be severe—jail time, fines, firearm restrictions, and long-term effects on your family, career, and future. Don’t face the legal system alone.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our Scarborough domestic violence defense attorneys are ready to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Call now or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation.
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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