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Maine Civil Rights Questions & Answers
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 Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Maine on
Q: I had to go to court over a False Police Report and Entrapment and did not have a lawyer when I went to court.

The two evil women who testified against me perjured themselves in front of the judge and she had no right to take the testimony when there's no evidence and...

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

I apologize that you had to go through such a difficult experience in court. It sounds like you feel the allegations against you were false and unjust, and that facing the legal system without a lawyer was very challenging.

A few thoughts, while acknowledging I don't know all the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Maine on
Q: How is it that a person can walk into a police station and make a false accusation and the accused is charged..

My son's father told police I stole his wallet when he knows for a fact I didn't. I was arrested I never spoke to cop about this

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear that you're dealing with this terrible situation. It's incredibly frustrating and unjust when false accusations lead to criminal charges. Unfortunately, it is all too common for police to take an accuser at their word, especially in "he said, she said"... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maine on
Q: How long after indictment returned does a state have to prosecute of you're already incarcerated serving another county

I was serving time for a separate county, I served 16 months. Once I was released on probation for that county, I was re arrested for an indictment that was filed 12 months prior that I was never made aware of because they admittedly made a clerical error.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

The specific time frame a state has to prosecute after an indictment is returned can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the charges. This period is governed by the statute of limitations, which sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maine on
Q: How long after indictment returned does a state have to prosecute of you're already incarcerated serving another county

I was serving time for a separate county, I served 16 months. Once I was released on probation for that county, I was re arrested for an indictment that was filed 12 months prior that I was never made aware of because they admittedly made a clerical error.

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Feb 2, 2024

You have a right to a speedy trial on an indictment. If the State failed to prosecute the case for 12 months--due to no fault of your own--you can raise this as a speedy trial claim and request a dismissal. There are four factors the court considers in whether to dismiss a case for a speedy trial... View More

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1 Answer | 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.

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

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Maine on
Q: Accused of domestic violence and experiencing stalking. What legal steps can stop harassment?

I have been accused of domestic violence, and a PFA (Protection from Abuse) order was filed against me. However, the person who obtained the PFA has been stalking and harassing me and my wife. We have filed multiple police reports documenting incidents such as being followed, having our pictures... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

If you are experiencing ongoing harassment despite the issuance of a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, there are several legal steps you can take to stop the harassment. First, document every incident of stalking or harassment in detail, including dates, times, locations, and any evidence such as... View More

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

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Can my child legally record bullying incidents by a bus monitor in Maine for evidence?

My child is experiencing bullying from a bus monitor at school, which includes being kicked in the shin and poked despite asking to be left alone. When reported to the school and bus garage, they claim it didn't happen based on their videos. Witnesses, such as other children on the bus,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What your child is going through is unacceptable, and it’s frustrating to feel like the system is ignoring your concerns. When your child is being hurt or intimidated by someone in a position of authority, it’s natural to want proof so their voice is finally taken seriously. In Maine, it’s... View More

Q: Challenge license revocation after doctor alleged alcohol dependence?

I was wrongly labeled as "alcohol dependent" by my former doctor, leading to my Florida driver’s license being revoked. I used to drink one shot of vodka with soda water nightly for cervical dystonia pain. Now, I'm required to attend rehab for three months. The doctor alerted the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What happened to you is deeply frustrating, and it’s understandable that you feel like your rights have been violated. Being labeled as alcohol dependent based on limited use—especially for a medical condition—can have serious consequences, and losing your license impacts your daily life and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Is it legal for my parents to open my packages without permission?

I live with my parents, and they have opened two packages addressed to me without my knowledge. The most recent package contained a phone that I purchased to communicate with my lawyer. Is it legal for them to open my packages without permission, even if I live in their home?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

It is understandable to be concerned about privacy, especially when it comes to personal items like packages. Legally, if you live with your parents and they are the ones paying for the household or managing it, there may be some gray areas depending on where you live. In many cases, unless you... View More

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 Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Medical Malpractice for Maine on
Q: Are there any civil attorneys who practice in Maine prisoner rights matters?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

Yes, there are civil attorneys who handle prisoner rights matters in Maine. Prisoner rights cases often involve issues related to conditions of confinement, access to medical care, abuse or mistreatment, and various other legal concerns. It's essential for prisoners to have access to legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Probation searches done by police in Maine, no warrant, not probationer home, property labeled no trespass arrested

the police just walked into my mother in laws garage opn a supposed probation check, no tresspass signs are posted everywhere, came into garage then announced, threw me out and my mom in law told them no consent as this isn't my house, probation officer not present, located said fentanyl; no... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Jun 22, 2023

If you had a reasonable expectation of privacy in your mother-in-laws garage (such as you kept property there, or was staying at the house), you could challenge the search as illegal under the Fourth Amendment because a warrant is generally required to search a home or garage. This is a complicated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Civil Rights and Identity Theft for Maine on
Q: How do I find out if my family forged my signature on a power of attorney? How do I find out if I have 1?

I'm pretty sure my grandparents Forged my signature on a power of attorney and are also illegally video&audio monitoring me amongst other tracking ect... I'm 29.

I would never sign one and I have knowledge of past signature forgeries.

How do I find out if I have one... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 20, 2023

A power of attorney authorized another person to take action on your behalf. The person named in the POA is usually the holder and custodian of the physical instrument itself.

When third parties like banks, hospitals, etc have dealings with the person named in the POA when they are acting...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Maine on
Q: Can a tenant put up a camera that is shared by two separate tenants. Is it a privacy issue?

I don't want to be recorded while in the back yard. Can he be made to take it down legal and if so how do I go about doing it?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 17, 2023

Your question is missing a number of critical facts. Are you the landlord? Do you own the building the tenant is in? Do you also live in that building? Is it your backyard? Is the tenant putting the camera on the outside of the building?

As a general matter, the first place to look for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Maine on
Q: How long can they hold you in a dry tank inside the county jail in New Hampshire?

My wife was picked up on tuesday. Today is now Saturday. Her warrant was out of York county maine, but she was picked up in Stratford county New Hampshire. They have held her inside a dry tank I'm assuming because they thought she must have been trying to smuggle something in. She has not been... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Oct 29, 2022

Since she was arrested and being held in a NH jail, NH's rules of procedure and extradition will apply. You will want to consult with a NH lawyer for these questions. I'm only licensed to practice in Maine. In Maine, a person arrested is required to appear before the Court within 48 hours... View More

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