{"id":373722,"date":"2017-03-20T18:10:38","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T23:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-18T13:25:17","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T18:25:17","slug":"maine-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Maine Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Criminal laws serve a dual purpose. They’re designed to both protect citizens and punish those who break them. The Maine Criminal Code<\/a> places crimes and punishments into specific categories. Judges follow sentencing guidelines that assign sanctions based on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors.<\/p>\r\n

Maine uses classes<\/a> to differentiate between the severity of criminal offenses and the applicable sentences. Some crimes, such as murder, stand as unique offenses outside of the classes and can carry specific penalties.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re engaging with Maine’s criminal legal system, it’s important to know how it works and what to expect. FindLaw’s Maine Criminal Law section examines the substantive offenses, the classes of crimes, what’s involved in the sentencing process, and how bail works. There are also dozens of articles focusing on specific crimes and other legal topics.<\/p>\r\n

If you or someone close to you are facing criminal charges, speak with a Maine criminal defense attorney<\/a> for legal help.<\/p>\r\n

Crime Classifications in Maine<\/h2>\r\n

Maine no longer uses felonies and misdemeanors for crime classification. Instead, offenses are separated into one of five crime categories<\/a>. These are:<\/p>\r\n