The question (Do I have to be married to be accused of domestic violence in Maine?) is one I often hear from clients charged with violating one of Maine’s Domestic Violence Laws.
To answer this question, let’s start by looking at the Maine Law’s covering domestic violence. Generally speaking, Maine has six (6) domestic violence offenses:
Do I have to be married to be accused of domestic violence in Maine?
- Domestic Violence Assault – A simple assault when the victim is a “family or household member” of the accused.
- Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening – When a person knowingly places a “family or household member” in fear of imminent bodily injury.
- Domestic Violence Terrorizing – When a person communicates a threat to commit a violent act dangerous to human life to a “family or household member”.
- Domestic Violence Stalking – Stalking when the victim is a “family or household member” of the accused.
- Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct – When a person recklessly creates a substantial risk to a “family or household member”.
- Violation of a Protective Order (VPO) – When a person is subject to a restraining order placed upon them by a “family or household member” and said person violates the order.
As you can see, Maine defines domestic relations beyond a marriage and spouse relationships. Domestic relationships are considered either family or household members. This is how the law is written in regards to domestic violence charges. These relations are not limited to family blood relatives or current spouses. Additional “household” members often include:
- Current and former spouses
- Current and former domestic partners
- Adult household members
- Biological Parents of the same child
- Dating or Sexual Partners (if you have had sex with the person, you will always be considered in a domestic relationship with them. Even after the relationship ends.)
In summary, the answer to the question (Do I have to be married to be accused of domestic violence in Maine?) is No. In Maine, you do not need to be married to be accused of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is charged with a domestic violence crime in Maine such as DV assault, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will take the time to answer your questions and to put your mind at ease as we work with you to determine a defense strategy.
It is well worth your time to check out:
If you would like to call us now at (207) 571-8555, we can begin to develop your case strategy.
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