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Maine Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: What type of lawyer do I need for ADA and due process rights violation in Maine?

I'm disabled with documented neurological trauma and require remote access. I verbally requested ADA accommodations, but no formal process was offered. The court sent info to the wrong address, assigned me another person’s felony docket, sealed my case, and denied Zoom access. A bench... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

What you’ve described is deeply troubling and deserves immediate legal attention. You should seek a civil rights attorney with experience in both ADA law and constitutional due process issues. Because your concerns span both access violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Judge signed release with no conditions. Is it binding?

A judge signed the latest conditions of release for a defendant, but no conditions were checked off—only "no bail" was mentioned. The defendant was supposed to have a "no contact" condition with me, but this is absent in the signed document. Can the defendant legally contact... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

It sounds like the court made an error in the release order by not including the "no contact" condition that you were expecting. If the judge signed a release with no conditions checked, then technically, the defendant may not be bound by conditions that aren’t explicitly written in the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Can charges for violating a dismissed PFA be held against a defendant in Maine?

In Maine, if a temporary PFA (Protection From Abuse) order was dismissed after the plaintiff did not show up for the final hearing, can charges for violating the PFA still be held against the defendant? In this case, my boyfriend was charged with a violation of the PFA after his pregnant... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on May 18, 2025

In order to be guilty of violating a protective order, the State would have to prove that at the time the protective order was in place the person violated it. If the protective order is later dismissed that would not be a defense to violating it when it was in effect.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Maine on
Q: Should I plead not guilty for driving without a license in Maine?

I was pulled over and received a warning for speeding after telling the officer that I was tired from a long day at work and wasn’t feeling well. When asked for my driver’s license, I admitted I didn’t have one, explaining that it wasn’t suspended—I’ve never had one. I shared with the... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on May 18, 2025

You should consult with a lawyer before deciding whether to plead guilty. If you don't have a lawyer, or unsure what to do, you should plead not guilty at the initial appearance. Oftentimes an agreement can be reached with the DA to dismiss the criminal charge, especially if you have taken... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Maine on
Q: How to correct errors in my criminal history report for current Maine charges?

I noticed errors in my criminal history report while reviewing the discovery for my current charge of unlawful trafficking scheduled drugs. The report incorrectly states that I was charged in 2013 with two counts of aggravated counseling and endangering the welfare of a child. It also mentions that... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on May 24, 2025

You will want to obtain a certified copy of the judgements in the prior cases. The certified copies are the official record of what occurred in the prior cases. Your lawyer can request these from the Court.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: ADA disclosed my identity as a confidential informant, causing harassment and safety concerns.

I'm a confidential informant and was charged with unlawful trafficking. I did three wired buys and informed on multiple individuals. However, the ADA disclosed my identity by leaving my address and phone number in the discovery documents of the person I did a controlled buy on, leading to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What you're dealing with is extremely serious, and your concerns about safety are valid. As a confidential informant, your identity should have been protected—especially when you were cooperating in good faith and making controlled buys under law enforcement direction. If the Assistant... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Traffic Tickets for Maine on
Q: Legal to concealed carry and possess weed in Maine traffic stop?

Can I legally carry a concealed firearm with a permit and possess recreational weed during a traffic stop?

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on May 18, 2025

It is a violation of federal law to possess a firearm if you are an "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance". https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922

Because THC is a federally controlled substance possessing a firearm and being a user of THC can be...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Falsely accused of assault, ex-partner now assaulted me; concern over reporting due to breaching release conditions.

I was falsely accused of assault by my ex-partner, which led to my arrest with a no-contact order as a condition of release. Recently, she came to my home claiming to be homeless, and I allowed her to stay. She assaulted me with a glass, causing serious injury and hospitalization. Although I... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Apr 28, 2025

Any contact would be a violation of the condition of release. Depending on the charge for which you were placed on bail it can either be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Her assaulting you would also subject her to possible criminal charges, but would not be a defense to a bail violation charge... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maine on
Q: Why is my boyfriend still in jail without bail for disorderly conduct in Maine?

My boyfriend has been in jail for about two months without bail due to a disorderly conduct charge. He has a minor past criminal history from 14 years ago. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and bringing in contraband, which turned out to be his own medication with proof provided. He was also... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

It’s possible that your boyfriend’s continued detention without bail is due to a variety of factors. Even though he was released on personal recognizance previously, his current situation might involve a judge or parole board deciding that there are concerns about his potential for reoffending... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maine on
Q: My boyfriend sits in Cumberland County jail been there since last Thursday he can’t bail out has no bail. Why?!!

He always has had bail before so why not now??

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Apr 18, 2025

There are a few reasons, he could be held with no bail: (1) If he is serving a sentencing there would be no bail, or (2) If he was previously on bail before the new charge, the State could have filed a motion to revoke bail and the Court can be holding him with no bail pending a motion to revoke or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Falsely accused of assault, lost in Supreme Court of Maine without a lawyer; seeking next steps.

I was falsely accused of assault by a woman who I have had disputes with for 12 years due to her negative views about gay people. I lost my case in the Supreme Court of Maine because I did not have legal representation. I did not start the argument that led to these accusations. I'm looking... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Apr 14, 2025

If your case was already appealed to the Maine Supreme Court then the only other avenue for an appeal is to the United States Supreme Court. In order to have the U.S. Supreme Court hear an appeal an application must be filed with the Court within 90 days of the date the Maine Supreme Court denied... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Maine on
Q: Facing a Class D Misdemeanor in Maine, evidence withheld despite rights. How to proceed?

I'm facing a Class D Misdemeanor charge in Maine, and the state is withholding all evidence from me, despite my right to access it under 501-1 A. Even with an official Motion to Dismiss, Compel, and other attempts, the DA claims I can't have it, and a judge has sealed the records. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Your situation raises significant due process concerns under Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 16, which governs discovery rights in criminal cases. Maine law generally requires prosecutors to disclose evidence to defendants, with limited exceptions for witness protection or confidential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Maine on
Q: Mother forged my name on vehicle title & sold it. Legal actions?

I am currently living outside the country, but before leaving, I paid off my vehicle and had the title sent to my mother's house, where the truck was being stored. In April 2025, my mother forged my signature on the title and sold my truck without my permission. I have no evidence, as she held... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Vehicle Title Forgery Analysis

Your mother's actions constitute forgery and theft by conversion under virtually all state jurisdictions, representing both civil and criminal violations with potential felony implications. Forgery of vehicle title documents typically constitutes a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Is reading saved messages violating no-contact order in Maine?

I am currently under a court order that prohibits any direct or indirect contact with a specific individual. I recently received messages from this person on a messaging app, which expressed that they missed me. I took screenshots of these messages to save them for court. Is reading these messages... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

Reading the messages would not be considered contact, but any response would be contact.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Maine on
Q: Maine DEA informant confidentiality breach legal actions?

I worked as a confidential informant for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with a promise that my identity would remain confidential. Despite this agreement, my statement, including my address and phone number, was included in the discovery paperwork in a case involving a controlled buy. As a... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Apr 5, 2025

You would want to speak to a civil rights lawyer to see what options exists for the breach of confidentiality. You should also report any threats or vandalism to law enforcement. I'm not a civil lawyer so can't provide any advice or answers beyond this.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maine on
Q: How do I correct an incorrect criminal record in Maine?

I discovered that my criminal record incorrectly states I was charged and convicted of two counts of aggravated trafficking in 2013. In reality, I only faced and accepted a plea for a conspiracy to commit trafficking charge with one count dismissed. Now, I am currently being charged with aggravated... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Mar 30, 2025

You will want to contact a lawyer who defends drug trafficking cases. If the prior convictions are alleged incorrectly, the lawyer can obtain the court files and move to strike the incorrect priors alleged in the Indictment.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Can I keep a no trespassing order after dropping criminal mischief charge?

I wish to drop a criminal mischief charge against a woman who kicked and threw rocks at my door to avoid going to court, as she has requested a jury trial. However, I want to ensure that the written no trespassing order, issued by a police officer, remains in effect. Is it possible to keep the no... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Mar 5, 2025

A no trespass order is separate from a criminal charge in court. It would remain in effect even if the criminal charge is dismissed. Typically, a no trespass order is effective for one year. You should contact the DA's office about your concerns with the trial and proceeding on the criminal case.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Maine on
Q: Is it normal for a defendant to not be present/involved at their disposition conference

I went to my Disposition conf. (for D.V. Charge) and was not personally involved in any negotiations.

Not only did my lawyer not contact me prior to my date.. I had to text him to find out where he was once I was there. Once we had met up in a conf room.. I was told to "hang on"... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Feb 11, 2025

Dispositional conference are held in chambers between the State's attorney and defense counsel. The defendant is not present for the conference in chambers. The defendant is required to appear in court and be available to discuss any offer with counsel. If any agreement is reached between the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: On probation I was stopped for no reason driving someone else’s vehicle with a clean record, did he have right to stop?
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answered on Jan 6, 2025

The Fourth Amendment requires that law enforcement need a reasonable and articulable suspicion a crime, traffic violation, or public safety concern exists in order to stop a vehicle. So typically the police cannot stop a vehicle for no reason.

Fourth Amendment rights can be lessened if a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Find out what they decided in court today on my case
Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Sep 16, 2024

You can contact the clerk's office at the court to ask about the status of the case.

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