Maine
Are Breath Tests Accurate in Maine OUI Cases?
OUI, DUI, or DWI cases are often based on the results from approved screening devices, commonly referred to as “breathalyzers”. The question of whether these breath tests are accurate has commonly affected Operating Under the Influence (OUI) cases for prosecutors, judges, attorneys, and defendants in Maine. Let’s consider the law enforcement breath-testing devices used in […]
Sealing of a Criminal Conviction in Maine
A criminal conviction usually appears on criminal records for life in Maine, potentially impacting the individual’s employment, education, travel, housing, immigration status, and more. However, certain low-level misdemeanor convictions can be sealed, meaning that they do not show up on most background checks. For instance, those convicted of marijuana-related offenses have the right to apply […]
False Public Alarm or Report Offense in Maine
Many people are unaware that it is a criminal offense in Maine to make a false report of an emergency that causes public alarm. Even those who are aware of the offense are sometimes surprised by the severity of the consequences of a conviction. If found guilty of the offense of “false public alarm or […]
Deferred Disposition in Maine | The Maine Criminal Defense Group
Defendants in criminal cases typically have four options for resolving their case if the charges are not dismissed: Plea negotiation, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty (or no contest) to one or more charges in exchange for a concession from the prosecution. Plead guilty/no contest with an agreed-upon disposition (outcome). Plead guilty/no contest without […]
Firearm Prohibition Laws in Maine
Both federal and state laws come into play with firearm prohibitions in Maine. Under federal law, individuals convicted of a felony or some domestic violence misdemeanors are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. The federal laws are general enough to allow many people who pose a significant risk to the public to still legally […]
Maine Furnishing or Allowing Consumption of Liquor Laws
The Maine Liquor Liability Act (MLLA) provides for the recovery of damages against anyone who negligently or recklessly “serves” alcohol to a minor. However, that might be just the start of your problems if you allow your children to host a BYOB party in your home where underage drinking occurs. Even if no adult actually […]
What to Do If You Are On Trial for a Crime in Maine
If you are charged with a crime in Maine, going to trial is just one of the possible outcomes. In fact, around 90 percent of criminal cases in Maine are resolved with a plea deal, meaning that no trial is necessary. This saves precious court time and expenses, as well as a great deal of […]
Financial Repercussions of an OUI in Maine
A conviction for an OUI in Maine is accompanied by serious consequences, including heavy financial repercussions. Understanding the court-imposed fines is one thing, but the financial consequences can extend well beyond these costs. In fact, the penalties associated with an OUI can amount to over $10,000. While these costs can be minimized with the help […]