Maine
Plead Guilty or Go to Trial in Maine?
You were just in your attorney’s office talking about the plea offer the prosecutor sent over. Your attorney explained what it is and the sentence range you would face if a jury convicts you. Nothing about this is easy, because either decision can affect your life. You know you would say “not guilty” if you […]
Maine Gross Sexual Assault Law & Platner Case
A recent USA TODAY article examined whether Graham Platner, until recently a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, could face criminal charges over a 2021 sexual assault allegation. The outlet turned to William Bly, founder of The Maine Criminal Defense Group, for perspective on how Maine law would treat an allegation like this. His […]
Intoxication as a Defense to Sex Crimes in Maine
Sex crime allegations are treated very seriously by law enforcement and the Maine judicial system in general. While several potentially strong defenses may be available against a sex crime charge, intoxication is rarely one of them. For voluntary intoxication, where you consumed drugs or alcohol of your own volition, the standards are set very high […]
What Field Sobriety Tests Are Used in Maine OUI Stops?
You are replaying the stop in your head. The lights, the questions, the officer asking you to walk a line or stand on one leg while cars passed on the shoulder. With your bad back, you can’t stand up straight on your best day, let alone follow directions as quickly as they were thrown at […]
What does Burdens of Proof and “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” Mean in Maine?
You don’t know how you got here. Recently, were are sitting in a cell that you never pictured yourself in, wondering if you really might end up being sentenced to time in prison and what that will cost you. The charge on the paper the lawyer of the day showed you feels final, but you […]
How to Decide Whether to Plead Guilty or Go to Trial in Maine
You were just in your attorney’s office talking about the plea offer the prosecutor sent over. Your attorney explained what it is and the sentence range you would face if a jury convicts you. Nothing about this is easy, because either decision can affect your life. You know you would say “not guilty” if you […]
What Field Sobriety Tests Are Used in Maine OUI Stops?
You are replaying the stop in your head. The lights, the questions, the officer asking you to walk a line or stand on one leg while cars passed on the shoulder. With your bad back, you can’t stand up straight on your best day, let alone follow directions as quickly as they were thrown at […]
What Does Burdens of Proof and “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” mean in Maine?
You don’t know how you got here. Recently, were are sitting in a cell that you never pictured yourself in, wondering if you really might end up being sentenced to time in prison and what that will cost you. The charge on the paper the lawyer of the day showed you feels final, but you […]
Is Being Intoxicated a Defense Against a Sex Crime Allegation in Maine?
Sex crime allegations are treated very seriously by law enforcement and the Maine judicial system in general. While several potentially strong defenses may be available against a sex crime charge, intoxication is rarely one of them. For voluntary intoxication, where you consumed drugs or alcohol of your own volition, the standards are set very high […]
What are the Consequences of Violating a Protective Order in Maine?
Page last updated on April 30, 2026 Protective orders are usually issued by Maine courts after a Protection from Abuse (PFA) or Protection from Harassment (PFH) hearing at which a civil protection request is made. These orders protect individuals who may be at risk of harm or further threats. Many people are surprised to learn […]