By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 13, 2023
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If a person is being abused by a current or former family or household member, they can seek legal protection from the court to help stop the domestic violence. Victims of sexual assault and stalking can also get a protection order, which are sometimes separate depending on the state. In Maine, the protection order process is the same for domestic violence, rape, and stalking survivors.
A protection order helps victims protect themselves from their abuser. For example, if you're a victim and you call the police on your abuser during an incident, police are far likelier to take seriously your phone call and the need to respond, if you possess a protection order. It's likelier that your abuser will be arrested for continuing to abuse you, if you possess an order.
The following chart explains the basic protection order laws in Maine.
| Code Section | Maine Code Revised Title 19-A, Chapter 101: Protection from Abuse and Title 15, Section 321: Protective Orders in Crimes Between Family Members |
| What is Domestic Abuse? | Maine law defines abuse for getting a protection order as any of the following acts between family or household members or dating partners:
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| Activity Addressed by Order | A protection order can require or prohibit an abuser from doing certain activities related to the person protected by the order, including:
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| Duration of Order | A temporary order remains in effect until the final order is served. The final order is generally granted for two years at most, but that may be extended if the protected person requests an extension and shows a need for one. |
| Penalty for a Violation of Order | In the following ways, Maine classifies crimes, including those related to violating an order of protection:
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| Who May Apply for Order | Any abused family or household member, including children through a representative, may apply for an order. Maine provides the following as examples of such people that qualify:
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| Filing Fees | Filing fees aren't charged for protection orders in Maine. |
| Order Transmission to Law Enforcement | For emergency orders, information is provided to the appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as possible. For general protective orders, a copy is provided to the police agency that is most likely to need to enforce the order. |
Note: State laws change regularly. Contact a lawyer or conduct your own legal research to verify these laws.
Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about laws in Maine, including those related to protection orders:
If you need more help or are interested in learning more about domestic violence and related resources, consider reviewing the following, as well:
If anyone is hurting you physically, sexually, emotionally, or financially, please reach out for help. Call the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence at 1-866-834-HELP (4357) for safety planning and resources in your area. A local family law attorney or a legal aid office could be able to help you file for a protection order.
If you've been served with protection order papers, do NOT attempt to contact the person seeking protection in any way. Consider hiring an experienced Maine family law attorney. Also, if you've violated a protective order, talk to a criminal defense lawyer.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Maine attorneys offer free consultations.