In Maine, Domestic Violence can be Assault, Criminal Threatening, Terrorizing, Stalking, or Reckless Conduct.   Intimate and household relationships can be difficult at times, and sometimes people get upset with one another.  Regardless of the challenge, stay smart and avoid acting in a way which results in a criminal charge for Domestic Violence in Maine.  Some negative consequences you will avoid by not being accused of domestic violence charges in Maine include:

• You would be taken to the county jail, and you would have to pay bail before being released.
• When released on bail, you might not be able to go home (no contact bail requirement).
• All of your firearms would be taken away.  If you were convicted of the Domestic Violence charge, you would no longer be permitted to use or possess firearms.
• You may be prohibited from drinking any alcohol if you were drunk or under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs at the time of the arrest.
• You would be subject to random searches and seizures to assure compliance with your bail requirements.

Most Domestic Violence related charges are considered Class D misdemeanors.  A conviction for a Class D misdemeanor can result in penalties that include possible fines of up to $2,000.00 and possible jail time of up to 364 days.  A person convicted of domestic violence may also face probation, including requirements to complete a certified batterer’s intervention and prevention (CBIP) course.  And, conviction for a domestic violence categorizes you as a person prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons, including all firearms.  Once convicted for one domestic violence related crime, any future domestic violence charges would be considered a felony.

Given these serious direct and collateral consequences, you should never attempt to go it alone against the State if facing domestic violence charges.  An experienced criminal defense lawyer will ask the right questions and fight for your rights.  If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence charges in Maine, or is under any bail conditions, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.