{"id":373771,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-rape-and-sexual-assault-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-18T10:46:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T15:46:14","slug":"maine-rape-and-sexual-assault-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-rape-and-sexual-assault-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Rape and Sexual Assault Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maine Rape and Sexual Assault Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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\n\n

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Maine<\/span>‘s sexual assault laws are criminal statutes that prohibit non-consensual sexual acts<\/span>, unlawful sexual contact<\/span>, and unlawful sexual touching<\/span>. These offenses are classified as felonies or misdemeanors depending on factors like the victim’s age, use of force, and whether penetration occurred. Convictions carry penalties ranging from 180 days to 30 years in prison, fines up to $50,000, and mandatory sex offender<\/span> registration.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In Maine<\/span>, rape falls under the state’s sexual assault laws. Sexual assault laws vary by state, but they often cover sex crimes<\/span><\/a> involving unlawful sexual touching<\/span> or unlawful sexual contact<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Like other states, Maine<\/span> takes the crime of rape<\/a> seriously. Regardless of the circumstances, sexual assault (or rape) is a felony offense, carrying a lengthy prison sentence, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article explains Maine<\/span>‘s rape<\/span> and sexual assault laws<\/a>, including the potential penalties and defenses for these crimes. If you’re facing charges for any sex crime<\/span>, it’s in your best interest to contact a sex crimes<\/span> lawyer<\/a>. They can explain the charges against you and help build a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.<\/p>\n

How Does Maine<\/span> Law<\/span> Define the Crime of Rape?<\/h2>\n

Like many other states, Maine<\/span> does not have a specific rape statute. Instead, it has a collection of sexual assault laws that prohibit non-consensual sexual acts<\/span>. Penalties for sexual offenses in Maine<\/span> vary depending on the victim’s age and the facts of the case. For example, a person faces more serious charges if they engage in unlawful sexual contact<\/span> with a minor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Under Maine<\/span> law<\/span>, a person commits sexual assault by engaging in sexual acts<\/span> without the alleged victim<\/span>‘s consent, coercing or forcing another person to engage in sexual acts<\/span>, or engaging in sexual activity<\/span> with someone who gives consent<\/a>. Some states have separate degrees of felony sexual assault<\/a>, but the Maine<\/span> Criminal Code<\/a> divides the crime into three major categories:<\/p>\n