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Maine Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Maine on
Q: What information am I required to provide my employer regarding ab arrest outside of work

I was placed on unpaid suspension for 180 days

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 15, 2023

In Maine, there are generally no specific legal requirements that mandate employees to disclose arrests to their employers. However, it's crucial to consider company policies, industry regulations, and the terms of your employment contract, if applicable. Review your employer's policies... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Maine on
Q: In general, can a nonlawyer employee of a company prepare/negotiate contracts for that company or is that UPL?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 13, 2023

In Maine, as in many jurisdictions, the preparation and negotiation of contracts are activities that generally require legal expertise. Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) regulations typically prohibit nonlawyers from engaging in activities that constitute the practice of law, which can include... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maine on
Q: How do we stop our landlord from pressuring us to sign a settlement agreement?

Our landlord is afraid we are going to sue him for damages related to mold on the property that has made us sick. We have made it very clear to him and to his insurance company that we aren’t seeking legal action, but he is insisting that we sign a settlement agreement that we are not comfortable... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Sep 12, 2023

You do not need to cite any specific Maine or federal regulation. The simple response is you cannot be compelled to enter into a settlement agreement in these circumstances, especially if you are not comfortable with it. A settlement is a voluntary agreement, so if you do not agree, then there is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Maine on
Q: Peeing outside in maine

While travelling as canadain citizens to New Hampshire we stopped in maine at a gas station and it had no washroom. My children went behind the building and peed in a bush and the worker came out and said she was writing our license plate down and letting authorities know. Should we be worried?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

Public urination generally is considered a criminal offense or a civil infraction depending on the jurisdiction. If charged and convicted, this can have consequences, including fines or more severe penalties. Given that the incident involves minors, it would be prudent to consult with an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Maine on
Q: Extending a visitors visa

I have a friend who has a visitors visa to come meet up with me for a couple of weeks. Can they stay with me the entire 6 month on the visa if they choose to?

How hard is it to extend the visitors visa if they are staying with me?

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 21, 2023

Yes, they can stay with you for the entire 6 months. The visitor status can be extended depending on the reason. I suggest you work with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Seller in ME accepts a new offer before the expiration of the counter offer deadline that they gave to a different buyer

We are in Maine. We made an offer, sellers sent a signed counter with a deadline giving buyers 24 hrs, there was a “get a feel” question via text (nothing official). The next morning, buyers’ agent receives a text stating sellers accepted a better deal. The buyers signed the counter anyways... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 19, 2023

I previously responded as follows: The answers to your questions will depend primarily, if not entirely, on the language, terms, and conditions of the offer and counter-offer. There are arguments to be made both ways. Generally speaking, an offer can be withdrawn by the offeror at any time before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Is this legal?? Desperate for answers

We are in Maine. We made an offer, sellers sent a signed counter with a deadline giving buyers 24 hrs, there was a “get a feel” question via text (nothing official). The next morning, buyers’ agent receives a text stating sellers accepted a better deal. The buyers signed the counter anyways... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 18, 2023

The answers to your questions will depend primarily, if not entirely, on the language, terms, and conditions of the offer and counter-offer. There are arguments to be made both ways. Generally speaking, an offer can be withdrawn by the offeror at any time before it is accepted by the offeree, but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Maine on
Q: Can I issue a mechanic lien?

I sold my house and moved in with girlfriend. Over the course of 5 years, I not only purchased materials, but also provided labor to upgrade many aspects of her house. I was then forced to move out can I put a mechanic lien on home so if she sells I get my money back?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 18, 2023

Likely not. Under Maine law, any lien you had was dissolved unless you, within 90 days after ceasing to labor, furnish materials, or perform services filed a proper statement of lien claim in the office of the proper register of deeds. The 90-day period does not apply when the labor, materials, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: After a plea hearing for manslaughter from an accident, what’s the typical amount of time to report to prison? In Maine
Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Jul 30, 2023

After a plea is entered, a sentencing hearing will occur. This could be on the same day as the plea or on a different date. Once sentence is imposed, the defendant is expected to start the sentence that day. It is possible for the sentence to be stayed for an appeal or to report at a later date.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Divorce for Maine on
Q: How do I proceed with a divorce if my spouse will not sign paperwork?

My spouse is avoiding service and is refusing to sign anything. He is also been charged with three counts of domestic violence against me and is avoiding arrest and court on these issues also and now has felony warrants. There is bail conditions set that he cannot see or speak to me and one of our... View More

Robert Guillory
Robert Guillory
answered on Jul 29, 2023

You can file the divorce along with a motion for alternate service. You will need to submit with the motion an affidavit showing what efforts you have made to serve him as well as something from the sheriffs dep as to their efforts. You can ask that he be served by publication or any other means... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Is there a hearing, where you would go to the court to tell the court you won’t take the final deal from the State?

In Maine. If there is a, hearing rule number

Felony charge

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

In some cases, there may be a pre-trial conference or a status hearing scheduled in court, during which the parties discuss the case's progress and any potential resolution. However, this is not specifically designated as a hearing to reject a plea deal. It is an opportunity for both parties... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Is there a, rule hearing, for telling the court that you’re saying no to a final plea deal from state?

Felony charges

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

When a defendant is offered a plea deal by the state, they typically have the option to either accept or reject the offer. If you decide to reject the plea deal, it is essential to communicate your decision to your defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will then advise you on the next... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Maine on
Q: Premeditaded crime or culpable homicide?

Should a person who has been involved in a car accident due to reckless driving - an accident which has led to the death of the passenger with him - while on his way to the scene of another premeditated crime in which he was an accomplice have what penalty imposed on him?

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Jul 26, 2023

If the question is what penalty can be imposed for a manslaughter charge involving reckless driving, the answer is the maximum penalty is 30 years. The court looks to a number of factors to determine the appropriate sentence, including the way the crime was committed, and the individual who... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Personal Injury for Maine on
Q: Wondering if I would have a case worth pursuing against a hospital who i feel gave an unsafe discharge

~ I was discharged after refusing to take dilaudid after being given fentanyl in the ambulance. I was unable to walk, but given crutches and told to walk anyways. I was unable to use bathroom safely. I was left in waiting room by myself without discharge instructions and with a prescription written... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 25, 2023

A Maine attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. Try to arrange a free initial consult with an attorney - that would be the most definitive way to answer your question. If an attorney felt that you might have the basis for a case,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Animal / Dog Law for Maine on
Q: Pet insurance denied my claim saying injury was due to illness with no explanation and I only have accidental coverage

My dog had knee surgery due to a torn ccl (acl). He was running and tore it. My insurance company is claiming it was due to an Illness. He has never been diagnosed with any sort of illness that would cause such a thing. I only have accident coverage and they won’t give me an explanation for the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 15, 2023

A Maine attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Look at the policy and see what the provisions for dispute are - civil suit, arbitration, etc. A veterinarian is best qualified to make a call on the matter, but a ligament tear appears to be more accident-related... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Maine on
Q: Can two parents be together even tho their baby was removed by dhhs?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 11, 2023

Yes, two parents can still be together even if their baby has been removed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The removal of a child by DHHS does not necessarily dictate the relationship status of the parents. However, it's important to address the reasons for the... 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 Divorce and Family Law for Maine on
Q: I have tried to serve my husband the divorce paperwork but he refuses to even look at the paperwork. How can I proceed?

It has now been 60 days since I tried serving the paperwork. We currently are living in the same household that is why I chose to serve the papers myself.

Robert Guillory
Robert Guillory
answered on Jun 4, 2023

you need to go to the sheriff's department in the county in which he lives. if he is out of state or far away call the sheriff's department in that county. you need to get the paperwork to them and they will serve him, he cannot refuse. they will mail back to you a return of service. you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maine on
Q: OUI/dui help~

If you weren't drunk before a accident, but crash into a tree and drink alcohol after while waiting for police and a tow truck is it still a OUI even if u crash because u where texting and driving but you where sober at the time. no cop pulled you over and u where on the side of the road for... View More

David A. Simon
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David A. Simon
answered on May 24, 2023

This is a great question. The answer is no. For a DUI conviction, the person must be under the influence of alcohol at the time of driving. Many people get into an accident while sober, drive or walk home, and then consume alcohol. These people will likely be charged with DUI based on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Maine on
Q: Can a house that is going through probate in Maine be rented out? If so, how does this get initiated legally?

My mother passed last summer. House is still in probate, but her will left it to her five adult children. Can we legally rent the house out before the title is transferred to us? If so, how do we go about setting up the rental agreement?

Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on May 22, 2023

Probably, yes; it is quite common for people to rent real estate that is in probate. The "landlord" is technically the probate estate; the person with control would be the Personal Representative (PR) of the estate. If no one has been appointed as PR of the estate, you should petition the... View More

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