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Statutes: Maine

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Current with legislation through the 2023 First Regular and First Special Sessions of the 131st Legislature. You will find these and additional statutes online at the Maine Legislature website.

Title 5. Administrative Procedures and Services

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Part 12. Human Rights

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 337-A. Protection from Harassment

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 4651. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Court. “Court” means any District Court and, with regard to section 4659, the tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation.

2. Harassment. “Harassment” means:

A. Three or more acts of intimidation, confrontation, physical force or the threat of physical force directed against any person, family or business that are made with the intention of causing fear, intimidation or damage to personal property and that do in fact cause fear, intimidation or damage to personal property; or

B. Repealed. Laws 2011, c. 559, § C-2.

C. A single act or course of conduct constituting a violation of section 4681; Title 17, section 2931; or Title 17-A, section 201, 202, 203, 204, 207, 208, 209, 210, 210-A, 211, 253, 254, 255-A, 256, 258, 259-A, 259-B, 260, 261, 282, 283, 301, 302, 303, 506, 506-A, 511, 511-A, 556, 802, 805, 806, 852 or 853.

This definition does not include any act protected by law.

3. Law enforcement agency. “Law enforcement agency” means the State Police, a sheriff’s department or a municipal police department.

4. Business. “Business” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability corporation, professional corporation or any other legal business entity recognized under the laws of the State.

§ 4652. Filing of complaint; jurisdiction

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Proceedings under this chapter must be filed, heard and determined in the District Court of the division in which either the plaintiff or the defendant resides. If the plaintiff has left the plaintiff’s residence to avoid harassment, the plaintiff may bring an action in the division of the plaintiff’s previous residence or new residence.

The District Court has jurisdiction over protection from harassment complaints. If a District Court judge is not available in the division in which a complaint requesting a temporary order is to be filed, the complaint may be presented to any other District Court judge or to any Superior Court justice who has the same authority as a District Court judge to grant or deny the temporary order.

A juvenile may be a party to an action under this chapter only when the juvenile has a representative through whom the action is brought or defended pursuant to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 17(b). The Department of Health and Human Services may act as a representative of the juvenile. If any notice or service is required by this chapter, the notice or service must be provided to both the juvenile and the juvenile’s representative.

§ 4653. Commencement of proceedings

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Filing. A person who has been a victim of harassment, including a business, may seek relief by filing in an appropriate court:

A. A sworn complaint alleging harassment; and

B. If the alleged harassment does not meet the definition in section 4651, subsection 2, paragraph C or is not related to an allegation of domestic violence, violence against a dating partner, sexual assault, stalking or harassment as described in Title 17-A, section 506, subsection 1, paragraph A-1 or A-2, a copy of a notice to stop harassing the plaintiff issued to the defendant pursuant to Title 17-A, section 506-A, subsection 1, paragraph A, subparagraph (1), division (a) or subparagraph (3) or a statement of good cause why such a notice was not sought or obtained. The court has discretion, based on the nature of the allegations as well as any further inquiry that the court may make of the plaintiff, to issue an order even if notice to stop harassing the plaintiff has not been issued to the defendant as described in Title 17-A, section 506-A, subsection 1, paragraph A, subparagraph (1), division (a) or subparagraph (3).

2. Assistance. The court shall provide separate forms with a summons and clerical assistance to assist either party to proceed under this chapter in completing and filing a complaint or other necessary documents. This assistance may not include legal advice or assistance in drafting legal documents.3. Fees. No fee may be charged for forms. A plaintiff may apply for the right to proceed in forma pauperis.

§ 4654. Hearings

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Full hearing. A hearing must be held at which the plaintiff shall prove the allegation of harassment by a preponderance of the evidence.

2. Temporary orders. The court may enter any temporary orders, authorized under subsection 4, without written or oral notice to the defendant or the defendant’s attorney if:

A. It appears clearly from a verified complaint or an affidavit accompanying the complaint that:

(1) Before the defendant or the defendant’s attorney can be heard, the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s employees may be in immediate and present danger of physical abuse from the defendant or in immediate and present danger of suffering extreme emotional distress as a result of the defendant’s conduct, or the plaintiff’s business property is in immediate and present danger of suffering substantial damage as a result of the defendant’s actions;

(2) Deleted. Laws 2011, c. 559, § C-4.

(2-A) If the alleged harassment does not meet the definition in section 4651, subsection 2, paragraph C or is not related to an allegation of domestic violence, violence against a dating partner, sexual assault or stalking, the plaintiff has obtained a copy of a notification issued against the other person as described in Title 17-A, section 506-A, subsection 1, paragraph A, subparagraph (1), division (a) or the plaintiff has filed a statement of good cause why such relief was not sought or why such a notice was not issued; and

(3) The plaintiff has provided sufficient information to substantiate the alleged harassment; and

B. Repealed. Laws 2011, c. 559, § C-5.

C. The court provides written reasons for entering a temporary order.

3. Emergency relief. Emergency relief is available as follows.

A. When there is no judge available in the District Court having venue or the District Court courthouse is closed and no other provision can be made for protection of a victim of harassment, a complaint may be presented to any judge of the District Court or Justice of the Superior Court. Upon a meeting of the requirements of subsection 2, the court may enter any temporary orders, authorized under subsection 4, as the court considers necessary to protect the plaintiff from harassment.

B. If a complaint is presented under this subsection, the complaint and any order issued pursuant to the complaint must be immediately certified to the clerk of the District Court having venue for filing. This certification to the court has the effect of commencing proceedings and invoking the other provisions of this chapter.

C. An order remains in effect pending a hearing pursuant to subsection 1.

4. Interim relief. The court, in an ex parte proceeding, may enjoin the defendant from engaging in any of the following:

A. Imposing any restraint upon the person or liberty of the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s employees;

B. Threatening, assaulting, molesting, harassing or otherwise disturbing the peace of the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s employees;

C. Entering the plaintiff’s residence or property, provided that the court may not use this subsection to evict a defendant from the rental premises in an action brought by a plaintiff;

D. Taking, converting or damaging property in which the plaintiff may have a legal interest;

E. Repealed. Laws 1995, c. 650, § 5.

F. Repeatedly and without reasonable cause:

(1) Following the plaintiff; or

(2) Being at or in the vicinity of the plaintiff’s home, school, business or place of employment;

G. Having any direct or indirect contact with the plaintiff;

H. Engaging in the unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as prohibited pursuant to Title 17-A, section 511-A; or

I. Destroying, transferring or tampering with the plaintiff’s passport or other immigration document in the defendant’s possession.

If the court enjoins the defendant under this subsection, and the enjoined conduct constitutes harassment under Title 17-A, section 506-A, the court shall include in the order a warning in conformity with Title 17-A, section 506-A.

5. Service of order. If the court issues a temporary order or orders emergency or interim relief, the court shall order a law enforcement agency or, if the defendant is present in the courthouse, a court security officer qualified pursuant to Title 4, section 17, subsection 15 or, if the defendant is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Corrections to serve the defendant personally with the order, the complaint and the summons. The court shall cause the order to be delivered to the law enforcement agency, the court security officer or the correctional facility in which the defendant is incarcerated as soon as practicable following the issuance of the order, and the law enforcement agency, court security officer or chief administrative officer of the correctional facility or the chief administrative officer’s designee shall make a good faith effort to serve process expeditiously.

6. Dissolution or modification. Notwithstanding any statutory provision to the contrary, on 2 days’ notice to the plaintiff or on such shorter notice as the court may order, a person who is subject to any order may appear and move the dissolution or modification of the order and in that event the court shall proceed to hear and determine the motion. The hearing on the motion may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. At that hearing, the plaintiff has the burden of justifying any finding in the ex parte order that the defendant has challenged by affidavit. Nothing in this section may be construed to abolish or limit any means, otherwise available by law, for obtaining dissolution, modification or discharge of an order.

7. Extension. If a hearing under subsection 1 is continued, the court may make or extend such temporary orders as it deems necessary.

8. Service of order; use of electronic copies. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, service of an order may be made pursuant to this section through the use of electronically transmitted printed copies of orders that have been transmitted directly from the court to the law enforcement agency or correctional facility making service. Return of proof of service may be made by electronic transmission of the proof of service directly to the court from the law enforcement officer making service or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer’s designee, of the correctional facility making service.

In any subsequent criminal prosecution for violation of this section when the service of an order was made through the use of an electronically transmitted printed copy of the order, with 10 days’ advance written notice to the prosecution, the defendant may request that the prosecution call as a witness the law enforcement officer who served the order or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer’s designee, of the correctional facility that served the order.

§ 4655. Relief

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Protection order; consent agreement. The court, after a hearing and upon finding that the defendant has committed the harassment alleged, may grant any protection order or approve any consent agreement to bring about a cessation of harassment, which may include:

A. Directing the defendant to refrain from harassing, threatening, assaulting, molesting, attacking or otherwise abusing the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s employees;

B. Directing the defendant to refrain from going on the premises of the plaintiff’s residence or property, provided that the court may not use this subsection to evict a defendant from the rental premises in an action brought by a plaintiff;

C. Directing the defendant to refrain from interference with or destruction of the plaintiff’s property;

C-1. Directing the defendant to refrain from repeatedly and without reasonable cause:

(1) Following the plaintiff; or

(2) Being at or in the vicinity of the plaintiff’s home, school, business or place of employment;

C-2. Directing the defendant to refrain from having any direct or indirect contact with the plaintiff;

D. Ordering payment of monetary compensation to the plaintiff for losses suffered as a direct result of the harassment. Compensatory losses are limited to loss of earnings or support; reasonable expenses incurred for safety protection; reasonable expenses incurred for personal injuries or property damage; and reasonable moving expenses. Upon the motion of either party, for sufficient cause, the court may set a later hearing on the issue of the amount of damages, if any, to be awarded. If it appears from the complaint that an order under this paragraph may be granted, the plaintiff or defendant may remove the issue of monetary compensation to the Superior Court where a jury trial may be had. Removal must be requested by motion prior to a hearing under section 4654;

E. Ordering the defendant to pay court costs or reasonable attorney’s fees;

F. Entering any other orders determined necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the court;

G. With respect to unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as described in Title 17-A, section 511-A, ordering the defendant to remove, destroy or return or to direct the removal, destruction or return of the private images, ordering the defendant to cease the dissemination of the private images and prohibiting the defendant from disseminating the private images;

H. With respect to unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as described in Title 17-A, section 511-A, entering any orders determined necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the court, including but not limited to ordering the defendant to pay costs associated with removal, destruction or return of the private images; or

I. Prohibiting the defendant from destroying, transferring or tampering with the plaintiff’s passport or other immigration document in the defendant’s possession.

If the court enjoins the defendant under this subsection, and the enjoined conduct constitutes harassment under Title 17-A, section 506-A, the court shall include in the order a warning in conformity with Title 17-A, section 506-A.

1-A. Judgment against plaintiff. If a judgment is entered against the plaintiff and the court finds that the complaint is frivolous, the court may order the plaintiff to pay court costs, reasonable attorney’s fees or both.

2. Duration. Any protective order or approved consent agreement shall be for a fixed period not to exceed one year. At the expiration of that time, the court may extend an order, upon motion of the plaintiff, for such additional time as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff from harassment. Upon motion by either party, for sufficient cause, the court may modify the order or agreement from time to time as circumstances require.

3. Consequences of violation. Any protective order or approved consent agreement shall indicate, in a clear and conspicuous manner, the potential consequences of violation of the order or agreement.

4. Title to property. No order or agreement may affect title to any real property.

5. Bond prohibited. The court shall not require the execution of a bond by the plaintiff prior to issuance of any order of protection.

6. Service of order or consent decree. The court shall order a law enforcement agency; or, if the defendant is present in the courthouse, a court security officer qualified pursuant to Title 4, section 17, subsection 15; or, if the defendant is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the chief administrative officer or the chief administrative officer’s designee at the correctional facility, to serve the defendant personally with a protective order or consent decree.

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, service of an order may be made pursuant to this section through the use of electronically transmitted printed copies of orders that have been transmitted directly from the court to the law enforcement agency or correctional facility making service. Return of proof of service may be made by electronic transmission of the proof of service directly to the court from the law enforcement officer making service or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer’s designee, of the correctional facility making service.

B. In any subsequent criminal prosecution for violation of this section when the service of an order was made through the use of an electronically transmitted printed copy of the order, with 10 days’ advance written notice to the prosecution, the defendant may request that the prosecution call as a witness the law enforcement officer who served the order or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer’s designee, of the correctional facility that served the order.

§ 4656. Identifying information sealed

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed by the clerk and not disclosed to the other party or to the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

§ 4657. Notification

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

The clerk shall issue, without fee, a copy of an order, agreement, amendment or revocation to the plaintiff, the defendant and, as the court directs, to the law enforcement agencies most likely to enforce it.

§ 4659. Violation

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Crime committed. Violation of a temporary, emergency, interim or final protective order, an order of a tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation or a court-approved consent agreement, when the defendant has prior actual notice of the order or agreement, is a Class D crime, except when the only provision that is violated concerns relief authorized under section 4655, subsection 1, paragraphs D to G. Violation of these paragraphs must be treated as contempt and punished in accordance with law.

2. Warrantless arrest. Notwithstanding any statutory provision to the contrary, an arrest for criminal violation as defined in this section of an order or consent agreement may be made without warrant upon probable cause whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of the law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer may verify, if necessary, the existence of a protective order by telephone or radio communication with a law enforcement agency with knowledge of the order.

Chapter 337-B. Civil Rights Act

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 4681. Violations of constitutional rights; civil action by Attorney General

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Interference with rights; action by Attorney General. The Attorney General may bring a civil action for injunctive or other appropriate equitable relief in order to protect the peaceable exercise or enjoyment of the rights secured by the United States Constitution or the laws of the United States or of the rights secured by the Constitution of Maine or the laws of the State whenever any person, whether or not acting under color of law:

A. Violates section 4684-B; or

B. Intentionally interferes or attempts to intentionally interfere with the exercise or enjoyment by any other person of those secured rights by:

(1) Physical force or violence against a person;

(2) Damage or destruction of property or trespass on property;

(3) Threatening physical force or violence against a person;

(4) Threatening damage or destruction of property or trespass on property; or

(5) Engaging in any conduct that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress or to fear death or bodily injury to that person or to a close relation. For purposes of this subparagraph, “close relation” and “emotional distress” have the same meanings as in Title 17-A, section 210-A, subsection 2, paragraph B and paragraph D, respectively.

2. Place and name of action. A civil action under subsection 1 must be brought in the name of the State and instituted in the Superior Court for the county where the alleged violator resides or has a principal place of business or where the alleged violation occurred.

3. Jury trial. There is a right to a jury at the trial of an action on the merits under this section, but there is no right to a jury at the hearing of an application for a preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order.

4. Civil penalty for violation. Each violation of this section is a civil violation for which a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each defendant may be adjudged. These penalties must be applied by the Attorney General in carrying out this chapter.

5. Service of order or injunction. Each temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent injunction issued under this section must include a statement describing the penalties provided in this section for a knowing violation of the order or injunction. The clerk of the Superior Court shall transmit one certified copy of each order or injunction issued under this section to the appropriate law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over locations where the defendant is alleged to have committed the act giving rise to the action, and service of the order or injunction must be accomplished pursuant to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, service must be made by the delivery of a copy in hand to the defendant.

6. Violation of restraining order or injunction. A person who knowingly violates a temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent injunction issued under this section commits a Class D crime.

Title 14. Court Procedure--Civil

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Part 7. Particular Proceedings

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 709. Entry and Detainer

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Subchapter 1. Residential Landlords and Tenants

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 6001. Availability of remedy

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Persons against whom process may be maintained. Process of forcible entry and detainer may be maintained against a disseisor who has not acquired any claim by possession and improvement; against a tenant holding under a written lease or contract or person holding under such a tenant; against a tenant where the occupancy of the premises is incidental to the employment of a tenant; at the expiration or forfeiture of the term, without notice, if commenced within 7 days from the expiration or forfeiture of the term; against a tenant at will, whose tenancy has been terminated as provided in section 6002; and against manufactured housing owners and tenants pursuant to Title 10, chapter 951, subchapter 6.1 When there are multiple occupants of an apartment or residence, the process of forcible entry and detainer is effective against all occupants if the plaintiff names as parties “all other occupants” together with all adult individuals whose names appear on the lease or rental agreement for the premises or whose tenancy the plaintiff has acknowledged by acceptance of rent or otherwise.

1-A. Foreclosure. A bona fide tenancy in a building for which a foreclosure action brought pursuant to either section 6203-A or 6321 is pending or for which a foreclosure judgment has been entered may be terminated only pursuant to the provisions of the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-22, Sections 701 to 704.

1-B. Residential lease without termination or notice language. If a written residential lease or contract does not include a provision to terminate the tenancy or does not provide for any written notice of termination in the event of a material breach of a provision of the written residential lease or contract, either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the written residential lease or contract pursuant to this subsection.

A. A landlord may terminate the tenancy in accordance with section 6002, subsections 1 and 2. After a landlord has provided notice and service as provided in section 6002, including language advising the tenant that the tenant has the right to contest the termination in court, the landlord may commence a forcible entry and detainer action as provided in this section.

B. A tenant may terminate the tenancy by providing the landlord with 7 days’ written notice of the termination if the landlord has substantially breached a provision of the written residential lease or contract. In the event that the tenant or the tenant’s agent has made at least 3 good faith efforts to personally serve the landlord in-hand, that service may be accomplished by both mailing the notice by first-class mail to the landlord’s last known address and by leaving the notice at the landlord’s last and usual place of abode.

2. Persons who may not maintain process. The process of forcible entry and detainer may not be maintained against a tenant by a 3rd party lessee, grantee, assignee or donee of the tenant’s premises, unless a tenant at will has received notice of termination in accordance with section 6002 by either the grantor or the grantee of the conveyance.

3. Presumption of retaliation. In any action of forcible entry and detainer there is a rebuttable presumption that the action was commenced in retaliation against the tenant if, within 6 months prior to the commencement of the action, the tenant has:

A. Asserted the tenant’s rights pursuant to section 6015, 6016, 6021 or 6030-D;

B. Complained as an individual, or if a complaint has been made in that individual’s behalf, in good faith, of conditions affecting that individual’s dwelling unit that may constitute a violation of a building, housing, sanitary or other code, ordinance, regulation or statute, presently or hereafter adopted, to a body charged with enforcement of that code, ordinance, regulation or statute, or such a body has filed a notice or complaint of such a violation;

C. Complained in writing or made a written request, in good faith, to the landlord or the landlord’s agent to make repairs on the premises as required by any applicable building, housing or sanitary code, or by section 6021, or as required by the rental agreement between the parties;

D. Repealed.

E. Prior to being served with an eviction notice, filed, in good faith, a fair housing complaint for which there is a reasonable basis with the Maine Human Rights Commission or filed, in good faith, a fair housing complaint for which there is a reasonable basis with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development concerning acts affecting that individual’s tenancy;

F. Prior to being served with an eviction notice, provided the landlord or the landlord’s agent with notice that the tenant or tenant’s minor child is a victim; or

G. Prior to being served with an eviction notice, communicated to the landlord or the landlord’s agent about an act of sexual harassment or filed a complaint with a law enforcement agency, the Maine Human Rights Commission or a court of an act of sexual harassment by the landlord or the landlord’s agent against the tenant or a family or household member of the tenant.

 

If an action of forcible entry and detainer is brought for any reason set forth in section 6002, subsection 1 or for violation of a lease provision, the presumption of retaliation does not apply, unless the tenant has asserted a right pursuant to section 6026.

 

A writ of possession may not issue in the absence of rebuttal of the presumption of retaliation.

4. Membership in tenants’ organization. No writ of possession may issue when the tenant proves that the action of forcible entry and detainer was commenced in retaliation for the tenant’s membership in an organization concerned with landlord-tenant relationships.

5. Affirmative defense. A tenant may raise the affirmative defense of failure of the landlord to provide the tenant with a reasonable accommodation pursuant to Title 5, chapter 337 or the federal Fair Housing Act, 42 United States Code, Section 3604(f)(3)(B). The court shall deny the forcible entry and detainer and not grant possession to the landlord if the court determines that the landlord has a duty to offer a reasonable accommodation and has failed to do so and there is a causal link between the accommodation requested and the conduct that is the subject of the forcible entry and detainer action.

The court shall grant the forcible entry and detainer if the court determines that the landlord is otherwise entitled to possession and:

A. The landlord does not have a duty to offer a reasonable accommodation;

B. The landlord has, in fact, offered a reasonable accommodation; or

C. There is no causal link between the accommodation requested and the conduct that is the subject of the forcible entry and detainer action.

 

For purposes of this subsection, “reasonable accommodation” means a change, exception or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice or service that is necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, including public and common access spaces for that dwelling.

6. Domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. This subsection applies to incidents involving domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

A. A victim may not be evicted based on an incident or incidents of actual or threatened domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking occurring at the premises or reporting to any agency such incidents that otherwise may be construed as:

(1) A nuisance under section 6002;

(2) Damage to property under section 6002; or

(3) A lease violation arising from a nuisance, a disturbance or damage to premises.

B. A victim may not be held liable for damage to the property related to an incident or incidents of actual or threatened domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking beyond the value of the victim’s security deposit, as long as the alleged perpetrator is a tenant and the victim provides written notice of the damage and documentation required pursuant to paragraph H within 30 days of the occurrence of the damage.

C. A landlord may bifurcate a lease or tenancy without regard to whether a household member who is a victim is a signatory to the lease in order to evict or terminate the tenancy of a perpetrator of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. In bifurcating a tenancy, a landlord may not interfere with a victim’s property rights as allocated in a valid court order. Nothing in this section may be construed to create a tenancy that previously did not exist.

D. A victim may terminate a lease early due to an incident or threat of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking by providing:

(1) Seven days’ written notice and documentation required pursuant to paragraph H, in the case of a lease of less than one year; or

(2) Thirty days’ written notice and documentation required pursuant to paragraph H, in the case of a lease with a term of one year or more.

 

A victim is not liable for any unpaid rent under the victim’s lease.

D-1. A tenant who is the victim of sexual harassment by a landlord or the landlord’s agent may terminate a lease as set forth in paragraph D if the tenant provides documentation set forth in paragraph H.

E. Nothing in this section prohibits a landlord from evicting a tenant for reasons unrelated to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

F. Nothing in this section prohibits a landlord from instituting a forcible entry and detainer action against the tenant of the premises who perpetrated the domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking or obtaining a criminal no trespass order against a nontenant who perpetrates such violence or abuse at the premises.

G. Nothing in this section limits the rights of a landlord to hold a perpetrator of the domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking liable for damage to the property.

H. When a victim asserts any of the provisions contained within this chapter specifically available to a victim, except for changing locks according to section 6025, subsection 1, a victim shall provide to the landlord documentation of the alleged conduct by the perpetrator, including the perpetrator’s name. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to:

(1) A statement signed by a Maine-based sexual assault counselor as defined in Title 16, section 53-A, subsection 1, paragraph B, an advocate as defined in Title 16, section 53-B, subsection 1, paragraph A or a victim witness advocate as defined in Title 16, section 53-C, subsection 1, paragraph C;

(2) A statement signed by a health care provider, mental health care provider or law enforcement officer, including the license number of the health care provider, mental health care provider or law enforcement officer if licensed;

(3) A copy of a protection from abuse complaint or a temporary order or final order of protection;

(4) A copy of a protection from harassment complaint or a temporary order or final order of protection from harassment;

(5) A copy of a police report prepared in response to an investigation of an incident of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; and

(6) A copy of a criminal complaint, indictment or conviction for a domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking charge.

7. Notice to quit; form notice required. Beginning January 1, 2024, a landlord shall attach to a notice to terminate tenancy served upon a tenant the form notice posted on the publicly accessible website of the judicial branch in accordance with section 6004, subsection 2.

8. Service of notice. If a notice served pursuant to this section, section 6002, section 6025 or Title 10, section 9097 is served by a person authorized to make service under section 702 or 703, that notice is admissible in evidence for the purpose of proving service occurred and the person who provided service may attend the court hearing remotely if that person is required to testify to the service of the notice.

§ 6002. Tenancy at will; buildings on land of another

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Tenancies at will must be terminated by either party by a minimum of 30 days’ notice, except as provided in subsections 2 and 4, in writing for that purpose given to the other party, but if the landlord or the landlord’s agent has made at least 3 good faith efforts to serve the tenant, that service may be accomplished by both mailing the notice by first class mail to the tenant’s last known address and by leaving the notice at the tenant’s last and usual place of abode. In cases when the tenant has paid rent through the date when a 30-day notice would expire, the notice must expire on or after the date through which the rent has been paid. Either party may waive in writing the 30 days’ notice at the time the notice is given, and at no other time prior to the giving of the notice. A termination based on a 30-day notice is not affected by the receipt of money, whether previously owed or for current use and occupation, until the date a writ of possession is issued against the tenant during the period of actual occupancy after receipt of the notice. When the tenancy is terminated, the tenant is liable to the process of forcible entry and detainer without further notice and without proof of any relation of landlord and tenant unless the tenant has paid, after service of the notice, rent that accrued after the termination of the tenancy. These provisions apply to tenancies of buildings erected on land of another party. Termination of the tenancy is deemed to occur at the expiration of the time fixed in the notice. A 30-day notice under this paragraph and a 7-day notice under subsection 2 may be combined in one notice to the tenant.
A notice to terminate under this section must include language advising the tenant that the tenant has the right to contest the termination in court. Failure to include language regarding the right to contest termination in the notice to terminate is not grounds to dismiss a forcible entry and detainer action. If the landlord fails to include language required by this paragraph in a notice to terminate and the tenant does not appear at the court hearing scheduled in any forcible entry and detainer action arising from the notice to terminate, the landlord’s failure to include the required language in the notice to terminate constitutes sufficient grounds to set aside any default judgment entered against the tenant for failure to appear at the court hearing. This paragraph does not limit the right of a tenant to raise as a defense in an action for forcible entry and detainer the landlord’s failure to include language in the notice to terminate as required by a lease agreement or any federal or state statutes, regulations or rules affecting the tenancy.
1. Causes for 7-day notice of termination of tenancy. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the tenancy may be terminated upon 7 days’ written notice in the event that the landlord can show, by affirmative proof, that:
A. The tenant, the tenant’s family or an invitee of the tenant has caused substantial damage to the demised premises that the tenant has not repaired or caused to be repaired before the giving of the notice provided in this subsection;
B. The tenant, the tenant’s family or an invitee of the tenant caused or permitted a nuisance within the premises, has caused or permitted an invitee to cause the dwelling unit to become unfit for human habitation or has violated or permitted a violation of the law regarding the tenancy;
C. The tenant is 7 days or more in arrears in the payment of rent;
D. The tenant is a perpetrator of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and the victim is also a tenant;
E. The tenant or the tenant’s guest or invitee is the perpetrator of violence, a threat of violence or sexual assault against another tenant, a tenant’s guest, the landlord or the landlord’s employee or agent, except that this paragraph does not apply to a tenant who is a victim as defined in section 6000, subsection 4 and who has taken reasonable action under the circumstances to comply with the landlord’s request for protection of the tenant, another tenant, a tenant’s guest or invitee, the landlord or the landlord’s employee or agent or of the landlord’s property; or
F. The person occupying the premises is not an authorized occupant of the premises.
If a tenant who is 7 days or more in arrears in the payment of rent pays the full amount of rent due before the expiration of the 7-day notice in writing, that notice is void. Thereafter, in all residential tenancies at will, if the tenant pays all rental arrears, all rent due as of the date of payment and any filing fees and service of process fees actually expended by the landlord before the issuance of the writ of possession as provided by section 6005, then the tenancy must be reinstated and no writ of possession may issue.
In the event that the landlord or the landlord’s agent has made at least 3 good faith efforts to personally serve the tenant in-hand, that service may be accomplished by both mailing the notice by first class mail to the tenant’s last known address and by leaving the notice at the tenant’s last and usual place of abode.
Payment or written assurance of payment through the general assistance program, as authorized by the State or a municipality pursuant to Title 22, chapter 1161,1 has the same effect as payment in cash.
2. Ground for termination notice. A notice of termination issued pursuant to subsection 1 must indicate the specific ground claimed for issuing the notice.
A. If a ground claimed is rent arrearage of 7 days or more, the notice must also include a statement:
(1) Indicating the amount of the rent that is 7 days or more in arrears as of the date of the notice; and
(2) Setting forth the following notice: “If you pay the amount of rent due as of the date of this notice before this notice expires, then this notice as it applies to rent arrearage is void. After this notice expires, if you pay all rental arrears, all rent due as of the date of payment and any filing fees and service of process fees actually paid by the landlord before the writ of possession issues at the completion of the eviction process, then your tenancy will be reinstated.”
B. If the notice states an incorrect rent arrearage or contains any other clerical errors that do not significantly or materially alter the purpose or understanding of the notice, the notice cannot be held invalid if the landlord can show the error was unintentional.
3. Breach of warranty of habitability as an affirmative defense. In an action brought by a landlord to terminate a rental agreement on the ground that the tenant is in arrears in the payment of rent, the tenant may raise as a defense any alleged violation of the implied warranty and covenant of habitability, provided that the landlord or the landlord’s agent has received actual or constructive notice of the alleged violation, and has unreasonably failed under the circumstances to take prompt, effective steps to repair or remedy the condition and the condition was not caused by the tenant or another person acting under the tenant’s control. Upon finding that the dwelling unit is not fit for human habitation, the court shall permit the tenant either to terminate the rental agreement without prejudice or to reaffirm the rental agreement, with the court assessing against the tenant an amount equal to the reduced fair rental value of the property for the period during which rent is owed. The reduced amount of rent thus owed must be paid on a pro rata basis, unless the parties agree otherwise, and payments become due at the same intervals as rent for the current rental period. The landlord may not charge the tenant for the full rental value of the property until such time as it is fit for human habitation.
4. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. A victim may terminate the victim’s tenancy in a tenancy-at-will or a lease with a term of less than one year with 7 days’ written notice and documentation required pursuant to section 6001, subsection 6, paragraph H due to an incident or threat of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. A victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking may terminate the victim’s tenancy in a lease with a term of one year or more with 30 days’ written notice and documentation required pursuant to section 6001, subsection 6, paragraph H. When written notice is provided to the landlord, the victim is not liable for any rent due beyond the date the notice expires or the date the victim vacates the unit, whichever is later, unless the victim has prepaid rent for the month, in which case the landlord is not required to refund the rent for that month.

§ 6010. Sums due for rent and damages

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Sums due for rent on leases under seal or otherwise and claims for damages to premises rented may be recovered in an action, specifying the items and amount claimed, but no action shall be maintained for any sum or sums claimed to be due for rental or for any claim for damages for the breach of any of the conditions claimed to be broken on the part of the lessee, his legal representatives, assigns or tenant, contained in a lease or written agreement to hire or occupy any building, buildings or part of a building, during a period when such building, buildings or part of a building, which the lessee, his assigns, legal representatives or tenant may occupy or have a right to occupy, shall have been destroyed or damaged by fire or other unavoidable casualty so that the same shall be thereby rendered unfit for use or habitation; provided that nothing herein shall render invalid or unenforceable an agreement contained in a lease of any building, buildings, or part of a building used primarily for other than residential purposes or in the case of any lease securing obligations guaranteed by the Maine Guaranty Authority or in any written instrument to pay the rental stipulated in said lease or agreement or any portion of such rental during a period when the building, buildings or part of a building described therein shall have been destroyed or damaged by fire or other unavoidable casualty so that the same shall be rendered unfit for use or habitation, in whole or in part.

In any action for sums due for rent, if the court finds that:

1. Notice of condition. The tenant, without unreasonable delay, gave to the landlord or to the person who customarily collects rent on behalf of the landlord written notice of a condition which rendered the rented premises unfit for human habitation;

2. Cause of condition. The condition was not caused by the tenant or another person acting under his control;

3. Failure to take steps. The landlord unreasonably failed under the circumstances to take prompt, effective steps to repair or remedy the condition; and

4. Rental payments current. The tenant is current in rental payments owing to the landlord at the time written notice was given.

Then the court shall deduct from the amount of rent due and owing the difference between the rental price and the fair value of the use and occupancy of the premises from the time of written notice, as provided in subsection 1, to the time when the condition is repaired or remedied. In determining the fair value of the use and occupancy of the premises, there is a rebuttable presumption that the rental price is the fair value of the rented premises free from any condition rendering it unfit for human habitation. Any agreement by a tenant to waive the rights or benefits provided by this section is void. A written agreement whereby the tenant accepts specified conditions that may violate the warranty of fitness for human habitation in return for a stated reduction in rent or other specified fair consideration is binding on the tenant and the landlord.

A perpetrator of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking that occurs in a residential rental property against a tenant of the property, household member or a tenant’s guest is liable to the tenant for the tenant’s damages as a result of the domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking regardless of whether or not the perpetrator is also a tenant. Such damages include, but are not limited to, moving costs, back rent, current rent, damage to the unit, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Nothing in this section relating to damages as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking creates liability on behalf of a landlord.

Chapter 740. Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 8003. Filing and status of foreign judgments

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

A copy of any foreign judgment authenticated in accordance with the Act of Congress or the statutes of this State may be filed in the office of the clerk of any District Court or of any Superior Court of this State. The clerk shall treat the foreign judgment in the same manner as a judgment of the District Court or Superior Court of this State. A judgment so filed has the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses and proceedings for reopening, vacating or staying as a judgment of the District Court or the Superior Court of this State and may be enforced or satisfied in like manner.

§ 8006. Fees

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Filing a foreign judgment. Except as provided in subsection 2, a person filing a foreign judgment shall pay to the clerk of courts the fee then provided for the entry of an action. Fees for docketing, transcription or other enforcement proceedings are as provided for judgments of the District Court or Superior Court.

2. Exception. A fee may not be charged for the registration, docketing, transcription or other enforcement proceedings of a foreign judgment or order that qualifies as a protection order as defined by 18 United States Code, Section 2266 or is the equivalent of a protection from abuse order under Title 19-A, Part 4 [FN1] or a protection from harassment order under Title 5, chapter 337-A. [FN2]

Chapter 750. Civil Recovery for Nonconsensual Removal of or Tampering with a Condom

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 8305. Civil recovery for nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Compensatory damages” includes, but is not limited to, past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

B. “Sexual act” has the same meaning as in Title 17-A, section 251, subsection 1, paragraph C.

C. “Tamper” means to alter or use an item in a way that renders the item ineffective.

2. Civil action; relief. A person who engages in a consensual sexual act with another person with the understanding that a condom would be used during the sexual act may bring a civil action against the other person for actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, any combination of those or any other appropriate relief based on the nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom if the other person:

A. Knowingly removes or tampers with the condom;

B. Knowingly uses a damaged condom; or

C. Misrepresents the person’s intentions to use a condom.

 

A prevailing plaintiff is entitled to an award of attorney’s fees and costs.

3. Previous consent. Evidence of consent to engage in a previous sexual act without a condom does not by itself demonstrate consent for engaging in a subsequent sexual act without a condom.

4. No limitation. The provisions of this chapter may not be construed to prohibit or limit any other cause of action that a person may have against another person who performs an action described by subsection 2.

Title 15. Court Procedure--Criminal

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Part 1. Criminal Procedure Generally

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 15. Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 393. Possession of firearms prohibited for certain persons

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Possession prohibited. A person may not own, possess or have under that person’s control a firearm, unless that person has obtained a permit under this section, if that person:

A. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 549, § 2.

A-1. Has been convicted of committing or found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity of committing:

(1) A crime in this State that is punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or more;

(2) A crime under the laws of the United States that is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;

(3) A crime under the laws of another jurisdiction that, in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, is punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. This subparagraph does not include a crime under the laws of another jurisdiction that is classified by the laws of that jurisdiction as a misdemeanor and is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less;

(4) A crime under the laws of another jurisdiction that, in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, does not come within subparagraph (3) but is elementally substantially similar to a crime in this State that is punishable by a term of imprisonment of one year or more; or

(5) A crime under the laws of this State or another jurisdiction in a proceeding in which the prosecuting authority was required to plead and prove that the person committed the crime with the use of:

(a) A firearm against a person; or

(b) Any other dangerous weapon.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

B. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 549, § 2.

C. Has been adjudicated in this State or under the laws of another jurisdiction to have engaged in conduct as a juvenile that, if committed by an adult, would have been a disqualifying conviction:

(1) Under paragraph A-1, subparagraphs (1) to (4) and bodily injury to another person was threatened or resulted; or

(2) Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 549, § 2.

(3) Under paragraph A-1, subparagraph (5).

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

D. Is subject to an order of a court of this State or another jurisdiction that restrains that person from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner, as defined in 18 United States Code, Section 921(a), of that person or a child of the intimate partner of that person, or from engaging in other conduct that would place the intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the intimate partner or the child, except that this paragraph applies only to a court order that was issued after a hearing for which that person received actual notice and at which that person had the opportunity to participate and that:

(1) Includes a finding that the person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of an intimate partner or a child; or

(2) By its terms, explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against an intimate partner or a child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

E. Has been:

(1) Committed involuntarily to a hospital pursuant to an order of the District Court under Title 34-B, section 3864 because the person was found to present a likelihood of serious harm, as defined under Title 34-B, section 3801, subsection 4-A, paragraphs A to C;

(2) Found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity with respect to a criminal charge; or

(3) Found not competent to stand trial with respect to a criminal charge.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

E-1. Is currently a restricted person under Title 34-B, section 3862-A, subsection 2 or subsection 6, paragraph D except that the prohibition applies to possession and control, and not ownership. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

E-2. Has been ordered to participate in a progressive treatment program pursuant to Title 34-B, section 3873-A and, as part of that order, directed not to possess a dangerous weapon pursuant to Title 34-B, section 3873-A, subsection 7-A for the duration of the treatment program, except that the prohibition applies to possession and control, and not ownership. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

F. Is a fugitive from justice. For the purposes of this paragraph, “fugitive from justice” has the same meaning as in section 201, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

G. Is an unlawful user of or is addicted to any controlled substance and as a result is prohibited from possession of a firearm under 18 United States Code, Section 922(g)(3). Notwithstanding the prohibition under 18 United States Code, Section 922(g)(3), the use, possession or transport of cannabis in accordance with Title 22, chapter 558-C or Title 28-B may not serve as the basis for the prohibition to own, possess or have under a person’s control a firearm in this section. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

H. Is an alien who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States or who was admitted under a nonimmigrant visa and who is prohibited from possession of a firearm under 18 United States Code, Section 922(g)(5). Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

I. Has been discharged from the United States Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

J. Has, having been a citizen of the United States, renounced that person’s citizenship. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.

 

For the purposes of this subsection, a person is deemed to have been convicted upon the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or a verdict or finding of guilty, or of the equivalent in a juvenile case, by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

In the case of a deferred disposition, a person is deemed to have been convicted when the court imposes the sentence. In the case of a deferred disposition for a person alleged to have committed one or more of the offenses listed in section 1023, subsection 4, paragraph B-1, that person may not possess a firearm during the deferred disposition period. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

 

For the purposes of this subsection, a person is deemed to have been found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity upon the acceptance of a plea of not criminally responsible by reason of insanity or a verdict or finding of not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, or of the equivalent in a juvenile case, by a court of competent jurisdiction.

1-A. Limited prohibition for nonviolent juvenile offenses. A person who has been adjudicated in this State or under the laws of another jurisdiction to have engaged in conduct as a juvenile that, if committed by an adult, would have been a disqualifying conviction under subsection 1, paragraph A-1 or subsection 1-B, paragraph A but is not an adjudication under subsection 1, paragraph C or an adjudication under subsection 1-B, paragraph B in which bodily injury to another person was threatened or resulted may not own or have in that person’s possession or control a firearm for a period of 3 years following completion of any disposition imposed or until that person reaches 18 years of age, whichever is later. Violation of this subsection by a person at least 18 years of age is a Class C crime.

1-B. Prohibition for domestic violence offenses. A person may not own, possess or have under that person’s control a firearm if that person:

A. Has been convicted of committing or found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity of committing:

(1) A Class D crime in this State in violation of Title 17-A, section 207-A, 209-A, 210-B, 210-C or 211-A; or

(2) A crime under the laws of another jurisdiction that in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction is elementally substantially similar to a crime in subparagraph (1).

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; or

B. Has been adjudicated in this State or under the laws of another jurisdiction to have engaged in conduct as a juvenile that, if committed by an adult, would have been a disqualifying conviction under this subsection. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

 

Except as provided in subsection 1-A, the prohibition created by this subsection for a conviction or adjudication of an offense listed in paragraph A or B expires 5 years from the date the person is finally discharged from the sentence imposed as a result of the conviction or adjudication if that person has no subsequent criminal convictions during that 5-year period. If a person is convicted of a subsequent crime within the 5-year period, the 5-year period starts anew from the date of the subsequent conviction. In the case of a deferred disposition, the 5-year period begins at the start of the deferred disposition period. If, at the conclusion of the deferred disposition period, the court grants the State’s motion to allow a person to withdraw the plea and the State dismisses the charge that gave rise to the prohibition with prejudice, the 5-year period terminates.

 

For the purposes of this subsection, a person is deemed to have been convicted or adjudicated upon the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or a verdict or finding of guilty, or of the equivalent in a juvenile case, by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

For the purposes of this subsection, a person is deemed to have been found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity upon the acceptance of a plea of not criminally responsible by reason of insanity or a verdict or finding of not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, or of the equivalent in a juvenile case, by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

The provisions of this subsection apply only to a person convicted, adjudicated or placed on deferred disposition on or after October 15, 2015.

2. Application after 5 years. A person subject to the provisions of subsection 1, paragraph A-1, subparagraphs (1) to (4) or paragraph C as a result of a conviction or adjudication may, after the expiration of 5 years from the date that the person is finally discharged from the sentences imposed as a result of the conviction or adjudication, apply to the Office of the Governor for a permit to carry a firearm subject to subsection 4. That person may not be issued a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to Title 25, chapter 252.1 A permit issued pursuant to this subsection is valid for 4 years from the date of issue unless sooner revoked for cause by the Governor. For purposes of this subsection, “firearm” does not include a firearm defined under 18 United States Code, Section 921(a)(3).

3. Contents. An application under subsection 2 must be on a form prepared by the Office of the Governor. The application must include the following: the applicant’s full name; all aliases; date and place of birth; place of legal residence; occupation; make, model and serial number of the firearm sought to be possessed; date, place and nature of conviction; sentence imposed; place of incarceration; name and address of probation or parole officer; date of discharge or release from prison or jail or termination of probation, supervised release for sex offenders, parole or administrative release; the reason for the request; and any other information determined by the Governor to be of assistance. The application must be accompanied by certified or attested copies of the indictment, information or complaint, judgment and commitment and discharge that are the subject of the conviction.

4. Notification, objection and decision. Upon receipt of an application, the Office of the Governor shall determine if the application is in proper form. If the application is proper, the Governor shall within 30 days notify in writing the sentencing or presiding judge, the Attorney General, the district attorney for the county where the applicant resides, the district attorney for the county where the conviction occurred, the law enforcement agency that investigated the crime, the chief of police and sheriff in the municipality and county where the crime occurred and the chief of police and sheriff in the municipality where the applicant resides as of the filing of the application. The Governor may direct any appropriate investigation to be carried out.

A. If, within 30 days of the sending of notice, a person notified objects in writing to the Governor regarding the initial issuance of a permit and provides the reason for the objection, the Governor may not issue a permit. The reason for the objection must be communicated in writing to the Governor in order for it to be the sole basis for denial.

B. If, within 30 days of the sending of notice, a person notified objects in writing, including the reason for the objection, to the Governor regarding a 2nd or subsequent issuance of a permit, the Governor shall take the objection and its reason into consideration when determining whether to issue a 2nd or subsequent permit to the applicant, but need not deny the issuance of a permit based on an objection alone.

 

The Governor may deny any application for a permit even if no objection is filed.

4-A. Application for relief. Except as otherwise provided, a person subject to the federal prohibition against possession of firearms pursuant to 18 United States Code, Section 922(g)(4) as a result of being adjudicated a mental defective may, after the expiration of 5 years from the date of final discharge from commitment, apply to the commissioner for relief from the disability.

Relief is not available under this subsection for a person found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial in a criminal case or a person adjudged by a Probate Court to lack the capacity to contract or manage the person’s own affairs.

A. An application under this subsection must be on a form developed by the commissioner. The application must include the applicant’s full name; all aliases; date and place of birth; place of legal residence; occupation; make and model of the firearm sought to be possessed; reason for the request; date, place and docket number of commitment; name of institution to which applicant was committed; names of providers that provided mental health treatment for the applicant; date of discharge from commitment; release for all mental health records; and any other information determined by the commissioner to be of assistance. The application must be accompanied by certified or attested copies of the commitment from which the applicant seeks relief and the report of an independent psychologist or psychiatrist licensed to practice in this State specifically addressing the factors set forth in paragraph E. The commissioner may establish a roster of psychologists and psychiatrists qualified and interested in doing these evaluations. The psychologist or psychiatrist must be available for cross-examination. The psychologist or psychiatrist listed on the roster is an employee for the purposes of the Maine Tort Claims Act for evaluations under this paragraph.

B. The commissioner has the independent authority to establish the following, to be paid by the applicant:

(1) Application fee; and

(2) Fees for evaluations required by paragraph A.

C. Upon receipt of a completed application, the commissioner shall notify persons who received notice of the commitment pursuant to Title 34-B, section 3864, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (2) and the district attorney, chief of police and sheriff in the municipality and county where the applicant resides of the filing of the application, with a request to provide to the commissioner any information relevant to the factors in paragraph E.

D. Upon receipt of a completed application, the commissioner shall review the application and determine whether the person has made a prima facie showing of the elements of paragraph E. If the commissioner determines that the person has made a prima facie showing, the commissioner shall schedule a hearing.

E. The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the circumstances that led to the involuntary commitment to a hospital have changed, that the applicant is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that granting the application for relief will not be contrary to the public interest.

F. If the commissioner finds by clear and convincing evidence that the circumstances that led to the involuntary commitment have changed, that the applicant is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that granting the application for relief will not be contrary to the public interest, the commissioner may grant relief.

G. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as indicated in this paragraph, all applications for relief pursuant to this subsection and documents made a part of the application, refusals and any information of record collected by the commissioner during the process of determining whether an applicant qualifies for relief are confidential and may not be made available for public inspection or copying unless:

(1) The applicant waives this confidentiality in writing or on the record of any hearing; or

(2) A court of record so orders. Proceedings relating to the grant or denial of relief are not public proceedings under Title 1, chapter 13.2

 

The commissioner shall make a permanent record, in the form of a summary, of the final decision regarding each application. The summary must include the name of the applicant and indicate whether the application for relief was granted or denied. The information contained in this summary is available for public inspection.

H. An applicant may appeal the denial of an application for relief under this subsection within 30 days of receipt of the written notice of decision by filing a complaint in the District Court for de novo review in the district where the Department of Public Safety has its principal office. Hearings are closed unless otherwise agreed to by the applicant. A party aggrieved by a decision of the District Court may not appeal as of right. The time for taking the appeal and the manner and any conditions for the taking of the appeal are as the Supreme Judicial Court provides by rule.

5. Appeal. Any person to whom a permit under subsection 2 has been denied may file a petition for review pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7.3

6. Filing fee. The commissioner may establish a reasonable filing fee not to exceed $25 to defray costs of processing applications.

7. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Firearm” has the same meaning as in Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 12-A.

B. “Not criminally responsible by reason of insanity” has the same meaning as used in section 103 and any comparable finding under the laws of the United States or any other state.

C. Repealed. Laws 2021, c. 608, § B-9, eff. Aug. 8, 2022.

D. “Use of a dangerous weapon” has the same meaning as in Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 9, paragraph A.

E. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Public Safety or the commissioner’s designee.

F. “Another jurisdiction” has the same meaning as in Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 3-B.

8. Repealed. Laws 2015, c. 470, § 4, eff. July 29, 2016.

9. Prima facie evidence. Notwithstanding any other law or rule of evidence, a copy of a court abstract provided by a court to the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification pursuant to Title 34-B, section 3864, subsection 12, if certified by the custodian of the records of that bureau, or the custodian’s designee, is admissible in a criminal prosecution brought pursuant to this section as prima facie evidence that the person identified in the abstract has been involuntarily committed by the court issuing the abstract and has been provided the notice required in Title 34-B, section 3864, subsection 5, paragraph A-1 and Title 34-B, section 3864, subsection 13.

10. Subpoena power. The commissioner is authorized to issue a subpoena in the name of the commissioner in accordance with Title 5, section 9060, except that this authority applies to any stage of an investigation under this section and is not limited to an adjudicatory hearing. If a witness refuses to obey a subpoena or to give any evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the commissioner, the Attorney General may petition the Superior Court in the county where the refusal occurred to find the witness in contempt. The Attorney General shall cause to be served on that witness an order requiring the witness to appear before the Superior Court to show cause why the witness should not be adjudged in contempt. The court shall, in a summary manner, hear the evidence and, if it is such as to warrant the court in doing so, punish that witness in the same manner and to the same extent as for contempt committed before the Superior Court or with reference to the process of the Superior Court.

11. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the provisions of subsections 2 to 4-A. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.4

Part 2. Proceedings Before Trial

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 102. Interception of Wire and Oral Communications

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 710. Offenses

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Interception, oral communications prohibited. Any person, other than an employee of a communication common carrier, a law enforcement officer, an investigative officer, another employee of the Department of Corrections authorized to exercise law enforcement powers as described in Title 34-A, section 3011 or a jail investigative officer or a jail employee acting at the direction of a jail investigative officer, carrying out practices otherwise permitted by this chapter, who intentionally or knowingly intercepts, attempts to intercept or procures any other person to intercept or attempt to intercept any wire or oral communication is guilty of a Class C crime.
2. Editing of tape recordings in judicial proceedings prohibited. Any person who knowingly or intentionally edits, alters or tampers with any tape, transcription or other sound recording, or knows of such editing, altering or tampering, and presents that recording in any judicial proceeding or proceeding under oath, without fully indicating the nature of the changes made and the original state of the recording, is guilty of a Class C crime.
3. Disclosure, or use of wire or oral communications prohibited. A person is guilty of a Class C crime if he:
A. Intentionally or knowingly discloses or attempts to disclose to any person the contents of any wire or oral communication, knowing that the information was obtained through interception; or
B. Intentionally or knowingly uses or attempts to use the contents of any wire or oral communication, knowing that the information was obtained through interception.
4. Duty to report. Any communications common carrier shall promptly report to the Attorney General any facts coming to its attention in the conduct of its business which may indicate a possible violation of this section and such carrier shall adopt reasonable rules to assure compliance with this subsection, provided such carrier shall not be liable to any person who may claim an injury arising out of any such report, if made in good faith. Any person violating this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000, payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil action.
5. Possession of interception devices prohibited. A person, other than an employee of a communication common carrier, a law enforcement officer, an investigative officer, another employee of the Department of Corrections authorized to exercise law enforcement powers as described in Title 34-A, section 3011 or a jail investigative officer or a jail employee acting at the direction of a jail investigative officer, carrying out practices otherwise permitted by this chapter, who has in that person’s possession any device, contrivance, machine or apparatus designed or commonly used for intercepting wire or oral communications is guilty of a Class C crime.
6. Sale of interception devices prohibited. A person who sells, exchanges, delivers, barters, gives or furnishes or possesses with an intent to sell any device, contrivance, machine or apparatus designed or commonly used for the interception of wire or oral communications as defined in this chapter is guilty of a Class B crime. This subsection shall not include devices manufactured under written contract for sale to common carriers, law enforcement agencies and the Department of Corrections, provided that the production of any such device shall not have commenced prior to the signing of the contract by both parties.

Title 17. Crimes

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 93-C. Interference with Constitutional and Civil Rights

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 2931. Prohibition

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

A person may not, by force or threat of force, intentionally injure, intimidate or interfere with, or intentionally attempt to injure, intimidate or interfere with or intentionally oppress or threaten any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege, secured to that person by the Constitution of Maine or laws of the State or by the United States Constitution or laws of the United States.

As used in this section, “intentionally” has the meaning set forth in Title 17-A, section 35.

Title 17-A. Maine Criminal Code

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Part 1. General Principles

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 1. Preliminary

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 2. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this code, unless a different meaning is plainly required, the following words and variants thereof have the following meanings.

1. “Act” or “action” means a voluntary bodily movement.

2. “Acted” includes, where appropriate, possessed or omitted to act.

3. “Actor” includes, where appropriate, a person who possesses something or who omits to act.

3-A. Repealed. 1977, c. 510, § 9.

3-B. “Another jurisdiction” means the Federal Government, the United States military, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, federally recognized Indian tribes and each of the several states except Maine.

3-C. Adult probation supervisor. “Adult probation supervisor” means any person who:

A. Is an employee of the Department of Corrections;

B. Supervises adult probation officers; and

C. Is trained, qualified and authorized by the Commissioner of Corrections to use deadly force.

4. “Benefit” means any gain or advantage to the actor, and includes any gain or advantage to a person other than the actor which is desired or consented to by the actor.

5. “Bodily injury” means physical pain, physical illness or any impairment of physical condition.

5-A. “Corrections officer” has the same meaning as in Title 25, section 2801-A, subsection 2.

5-B. Corrections supervisor. “Corrections supervisor” means any person who:

A. Is an employee of the Department of Corrections;

B. Supervises corrections officers; and

C. Is trained, qualified and authorized by the Commissioner of Corrections to use deadly force.

5-C. Concurrent sentence. “Concurrent sentence” means a sentence involving imprisonment that runs at the same time as one or more other sentences involving imprisonment while an individual is simultaneously in execution of each of them. A sentence involving imprisonment does not need to be imposed at the same time or begin or end at the same time as another sentence to be a concurrent sentence.

5-D. Consecutive sentence. “Consecutive sentence” means a sentence involving imprisonment that immediately follows in time another sentence involving imprisonment. A sentence is not a consecutive sentence with respect to another sentence if an individual is in execution of both sentences at any time. A sentence involving imprisonment does not need to be imposed at the same time as another sentence to be a consecutive sentence.

6. “Criminal negligence” has the meaning set forth in section 35.

6-A. “Critical infrastructure” means critical public or private infrastructure resource systems involved in providing services necessary to ensure or protect the public health, safety and welfare, including, but not limited to, a public water system or a public water source; an emergency, governmental, medical, fire or law enforcement response system; a public utility system; a financial system; an educational system; or a food or clothing distribution system.

7. “Culpable” has the meaning set forth in section 35.

7-A. Day. “Day,” for purposes of imposing imprisonment or probation, administrative release or supervised release, means 24 hours.

8. “Deadly force” means physical force that a person uses with the intent of causing, or that a person knows to create a substantial risk of causing, death or serious bodily injury. Except as provided in section 101, subsection 5, intentionally, knowingly or recklessly discharging a firearm in the direction of another person or at a moving vehicle constitutes deadly force.

9. Dangerous weapon.

A. “Use of a dangerous weapon” means the use of a firearm or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is used or threatened to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.

B. “Armed with a dangerous weapon” means in actual possession, regardless of whether the possession is visible or concealed, of:

(1) A firearm;

(2) Any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury; or

(3) Any other device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is intended to be used by the actor, is capable of producing or threatening death or serious bodily injury. For purposes of this definition, the intent may be conditional.

C. When used in any other context, “dangerous weapon” means a firearm or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.

D. For purposes of this subsection, proof that a thing is presented in a covered or open manner as a dangerous weapon gives rise to a permissible inference under the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 303 that it, in fact, is a dangerous weapon.

10. “Dwelling place” means a structure that is adapted for overnight accommodation of persons, or sections of any structure similarly adapted. A dwelling place does not include garages or other structures, whether adjacent or attached to the dwelling place, that are used solely for the storage of property or structures formerly used as dwelling places that are uninhabitable. It is immaterial whether a person is actually present.

11. “Element of the crime” has the meaning set forth in section 32.

12. “Financial institution” means a bank, insurance company, credit union, safety deposit company, savings and loan association, investment trust, or other organization held out to the public as a place of deposit of funds or medium of savings or collective investment.

12-A. “Firearm” means any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and includes any such weapon commonly referred to as a pistol, revolver, rifle, gun, machine gun or shotgun. Any weapon which can be made into a firearm by the insertion of a firing pin, or other similar thing, or by repair, is a firearm.

13. “Government” means the United States, any state or any county, municipality or other political unit within territory belonging to the State, the United States, or any department, agency or subdivision of any of the foregoing, or any corporation or other association carrying out the functions of government or formed pursuant to interstate compact or international treaty.

14. “He” means, where appropriate, “she,” or an organization.

14-A. Individual. “Individual” means a human being.

15. “Intentionally” has the meaning set forth in section 35.

15-A. Jail. “Jail” means a specially constructed or modified facility designated by law or regularly used for detention for a period of up to 12 months.

16. “Knowingly” has the meaning set forth in section 35.

17. “Law enforcement officer” means any person who by virtue of public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order, to prosecute offenders, to make arrests for crimes, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific crimes, or to perform probation functions or who is an adult probation supervisor.

17-A. Month. “Month,” for purposes of imposing imprisonment or probation, administrative release or supervised release, means 30 days.

18. “Nondeadly force” means any physical force which is not deadly force.

19. “Organization” means a corporation, partnership or unincorporated association.

20. “Person” means a human being or an organization.

21. “Public servant” means any official officer or employee of any branch of government and any person participating as juror, advisor, consultant or otherwise, in performing a governmental function. A person is considered a public servant upon the person’s election, appointment or other designation as such, although the person may not yet officially occupy that position.

21-A. “Public utility system” includes any pipeline, gas, electric, steam, water, oil, transportation, sanitation, communication or other system operated for public use regardless of ownership.

21-B. “Public water source” has the same meaning as in Title 22, section 2641.

21-C. “Public water system” has the same meaning as in Title 22, section 2601, subsection 8.

22. “Recklessly” has the meaning set forth in section 35.

23. “Serious bodily injury” means a bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or loss or substantial impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or extended convalescence necessary for recovery of physical health.

23-A. “Strict liability crime” has the meaning set forth in section 34.

23-B. Split sentence. “Split sentence” means a sentence involving imprisonment, an initial portion of which is served and the remainder of which is suspended, accompanied by probation or administrative release.

24. “Structure” means a building or other place designed to provide protection for persons or property against weather or intrusion, but does not include vehicles and other conveyances whose primary purpose is transportation of persons or property unless such vehicle or conveyance, or a section thereof, is also a dwelling place.

25. “Terroristic intent” means the intent to do any of the following for the purpose of intimidating or coercing a civilian population or to affect the conduct of government:

A. Cause serious bodily injury or death to multiple persons;

B. Cause substantial damage to multiple structures; or

C. Cause substantial damage to critical infrastructure.

26. Week. “Week,” for purposes of imposing imprisonment or probation, administrative release or supervised release, means 7 days.

27. Year. “Year,” for purposes of imposing imprisonment or probation, administrative release or supervised release, means 365 days.

Part 2. Substantive Offenses

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 9. Offenses Against the Person

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 201. Murder

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of murder if the person:

A. Intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another human being;

B. Engages in conduct that manifests a depraved indifference to the value of human life and that in fact causes the death of another human being; or

C. Intentionally or knowingly causes another human being to commit suicide by the use of force, duress or deception.

1-A. For purposes of subsection 1, paragraph B, when the crime of depraved indifference murder is charged, the crime of criminally negligent manslaughter is deemed to be charged.

2. Murder. The sentence for murder is as authorized in chapter 63.

3. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, that the person causes the death while under the influence of extreme anger or extreme fear brought about by adequate provocation.

4. For purposes of subsection 3, provocation is adequate if:

A. It is not induced by the person; and

B. It is reasonable for the person to react to the provocation with extreme anger or extreme fear, provided that evidence demonstrating only that the person has a tendency towards extreme anger or extreme fear is not sufficient, in and of itself, to establish the reasonableness of the person’s reaction.

For purposes of determining whether extreme anger or extreme fear was brought about by adequate provocation, the provocation was not adequate if it resulted solely from the discovery of, knowledge about or potential disclosure of the victim’s actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation, including under circumstances in which the victim made an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advance toward the person or in which the person and victim dated or had a romantic or sexual relationship.

5. Nothing contained in subsection 3 may constitute a defense to a prosecution for, or preclude conviction of, manslaughter or any other crime.

6. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under subsection 1 that the person’s conduct was expressly authorized by Title 22, chapter 418.

§ 202. Felony murder

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of felony murder if acting alone or with one or more other persons in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or immediate flight after committing or attempting to commit, murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, gross sexual assault, or escape, the person or another participant in fact causes the death of a human being, and the death is a reasonably foreseeable consequence of such commission, attempt or flight.

2. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant:

A. Did not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, command, induce, procure or aid the commission thereof;

B. Was not armed with a dangerous weapon, or other weapon which under circumstances indicated a readiness to inflict serious bodily injury;

C. Reasonably believed that no other participant was armed with such a weapon; and

D. Reasonably believed that no other participant intended to engage in conduct likely to result in death or serious bodily injury.

3. Felony murder is a Class A crime.

§ 203. Manslaughter

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of manslaughter if that person:

A. Recklessly, or with criminal negligence, causes the death of another human being. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

B. Intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another human being under circumstances that do not constitute murder because the person causes the death while under the influence of extreme anger or extreme fear brought about by adequate provocation. Adequate provocation has the same meaning as in section 201, subsection 4. The fact that the person causes the death while under the influence of extreme anger or extreme fear brought about by adequate provocation constitutes a mitigating circumstance reducing murder to manslaughter and need not be proved in any prosecution initiated under this subsection. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime; or

C. Has direct and personal management or control of any employment, place of employment or other employee, and intentionally or knowingly violates any occupational safety or health standard of this State or the Federal Government, and that violation in fact causes the death of an employee and that death is a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the violation. This paragraph does not apply to:

(1) Any person who performs a public function either on a volunteer basis or for minimal compensation for services rendered; or

(2) Any public employee responding to or acting at a life-threatening situation who is forced to make and does make a judgment reasonably calculated to save the life of a human being.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Repealed. Laws 1983, c. 480, § B, 23.

3. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 9.

A. Repealed. Laws 1997, c. 34, § 1.

B. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 9.

3-A. Repealed. Laws 1989, c. 872, § 2.

§ 204. Aiding or soliciting suicide

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of aiding or soliciting suicide if he intentionally aids or solicits another to commit suicide, and the other commits or attempts suicide.

2. Aiding or soliciting suicide is a Class D crime.

3. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under subsection 1 that the person’s conduct was expressly authorized by Title 22, chapter 418.

§ 207. Assault

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of assault if:

A. The person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person has attained at least 18 years of age and intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person who is less than 6 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 2003.

3. Minimum fine. For a violation under subsection 1, the court shall impose a sentencing alternative that involves a fine of not less than $300, which may not be suspended except as provided in subsection 4.

4. Finding by court necessary to impose other than minimum fine. In the case of an individual, the court may suspend all or a portion of a minimum fine under subsection 3 or impose a lesser fine other than the mandatory fine if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that there are exceptional circumstances that justify imposition of a lesser financial penalty. In making a finding of exceptional circumstances, the court may consider:

A. Reliable evidence of financial hardship on the part of the individual and the individual’s family and dependents;

B. Reliable evidence of special needs of the individual or the individual’s family and dependents;

C. Reliable evidence of the individual’s income and future earning capacity and the individual’s assets and financial resources from whatever source;

D. Reliable evidence regarding any pecuniary gain derived from the commission of the offense; and

E. The impact of imposition of the mandatory fine on the individual’s reasonable ability to pay restitution under chapter 69.

§ 207-A. Domestic violence assault

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence assault if:

A. The person violates section 207 and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and at the time of the offense:

(1) Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating section 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-B, 210-C or 211-A or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in paragraph A or in section 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-B, 210-C or 211-A in another jurisdiction;

(2) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 19-A, former section 4011, subsection 1 or Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 in another jurisdiction;

(3) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 15, section 1092, subsection 1, paragraph B when the condition of release violated is specified in Title 15, section 1026, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (5) or (8) when the alleged victim in the case for which the defendant was on bail was a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4; or

(4) Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, 208-B or 208-C, and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, 208-B or 208-C and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member or a dating partner.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

§ 208. Aggravated assault

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of aggravated assault if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes:

A. Bodily injury to another that creates a substantial risk of death or extended convalescence necessary for recovery of physical health. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

A-1. Bodily injury to another that causes serious, permanent disfigurement or loss or substantial impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

B. Bodily injury to another with use of a dangerous weapon. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; or

C. Bodily injury to another under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, the number, location or nature of the injuries, the manner or method inflicted, the observable physical condition of the victim or the use of strangulation. For the purpose of this paragraph, “strangulation” means impeding the breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly applying pressure on the person’s throat or neck. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime.

§ 208-D. Domestic violence aggravated assault

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1.1 A person is guilty of domestic violence aggravated assault if that person:

A. Violates section 208, subsection 1, paragraph A and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

B. Violates section 208, subsection 1, paragraph A-1 and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

C. Violates section 208, subsection 1, paragraph B and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; or

D. Violates section 208, subsection 1, paragraph C and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime.

§ 208-E. Domestic violence elevated aggravated assault

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence elevated aggravated assault if:

A. The person violates section 208-B; and

B. The victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4.

2. Violation of this section is a Class A crime.

§ 208-F. Domestic violence elevated aggravated assault on pregnant person

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence elevated aggravated assault on a pregnant person if:

A. The person violates section 208-C; and

B. The victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4.

2. Violation of this section is a Class A crime.

§ 209. Criminal threatening

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of criminal threatening if he intentionally or knowingly places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury.

2. Criminal threatening is a Class D crime.

§ 209-A. Domestic violence criminal threatening

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence criminal threatening if:

A. The person violates section 209 and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and at the time of the offense:

(1) Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 210-B, 210-C or 211-A or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in paragraph A or in section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 210-B, 210-C or 211-A in another jurisdiction;

(2) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 19-A, former section 4011, subsection 1 or Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 in another jurisdiction;

(3) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 15, section 1092, subsection 1, paragraph B when the condition of release violated is specified in Title 15, section 1026, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (5) or (8) when the alleged victim in the case for which the defendant was on bail was a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4; or

(4) Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, 208-B or 208-C, and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, 208-B or 208-C and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member or a dating partner.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

§ 210. Terrorizing

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of terrorizing if that person in fact communicates to any person a threat to commit or to cause to be committed a crime of violence dangerous to human life, against the person to whom the communication is made or another, and the natural and probable consequence of such a threat, whether or not such consequence in fact occurs, is:

A. To place the person to whom the threat is communicated or the person threatened in reasonable fear that the crime will be committed. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. To cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly or facility of public transport or to cause the occupants of a building to be moved to or required to remain in a designated secured area. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 11.

§ 210-A. Stalking

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of stalking if:

A. The actor intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at or concerning a specific person that would cause a reasonable person:

(1) To suffer serious inconvenience or emotional distress;

(2) To fear bodily injury or to fear bodily injury to a close relation;

(3) To fear death or to fear the death of a close relation;

(4) To fear damage or destruction to or tampering with property; or

(5) To fear injury to or the death of an animal owned by or in the possession and control of that specific person.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

B. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 12, eff. Jan. 31, 2003.

C. The actor violates paragraph A and has one or more prior convictions in this State or another jurisdiction. Notwithstanding section 2, subsection 3-B, as used in this paragraph, “another jurisdiction” also includes any Indian tribe.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. In determining the sentence for a violation of this paragraph the court shall impose a sentencing alternative pursuant to section 1502, subsection 2 that includes a term of imprisonment. In determining the basic term of imprisonment as the first step in the sentencing process, the court shall select a term of at least one year.

For the purposes of this paragraph, “prior conviction” means a conviction for a violation of this section; Title 5, section 4659; Title 15, section 321; former Title 19, section 769; Title 19-A, former section 4011 or Title 19-A, section 4113; Title 22, section 4036; any other temporary, emergency, interim or final protective order; an order of a tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation; any similar order issued by any court of the United States or of any other state, territory, commonwealth or tribe; or a court-approved consent agreement. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence;

D. The actor violates paragraph A and the course of conduct is directed at or concerning 2 or more specific persons that are members of an identifiable group.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; or

E. The actor violates paragraph C and at least one prior conviction was for a violation of paragraph D.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime. In determining the sentence for a violation of this paragraph the court shall impose a sentencing alternative pursuant to section 1502, subsection 2 that includes a term of imprisonment. In determining the basic term of imprisonment as the first step in the sentencing process, the court shall select a term of at least 2 years.

2. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Course of conduct” means 2 or more acts, including but not limited to acts in which the actor, by any action, method, device or means, directly or indirectly follows, monitors, tracks, observes, surveils, threatens, harasses or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person’s property. ”Course of conduct” also includes, but is not limited to, threats implied by conduct and gaining unauthorized access to personal, medical, financial or other identifying or confidential information.

B. “Close relation” means a current or former spouse or domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, stepchild, stepparent, grandparent, any person who regularly resides in the household or who within the prior 6 months regularly resided in the household or any person with a significant personal or professional relationship.

C. Deleted. Laws 2007, c. 685, § 1.

D. “Emotional distress” means mental or emotional suffering of the person being stalked as evidenced by anxiety, fear, torment or apprehension that may or may not result in a physical manifestation of emotional distress or a mental health diagnosis.

E. “Serious inconvenience” means that a person significantly modifies that person’s actions or routines in an attempt to avoid the actor or because of the actor’s course of conduct. “Serious inconvenience” includes, but is not limited to, changing a phone number, changing an electronic mail address, moving from an established residence, changing daily routines, changing routes to and from work, changing employment or work schedule or losing time from work or a job.

3. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 13, eff. Jan. 31, 2003.

§ 210-B. Domestic violence terrorizing

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence terrorizing if:

A. The person violates section 210 and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and at the time of the offense:

(1) Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-C or 211-A or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in paragraph A or in section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-C or 211-A in another jurisdiction;

(2) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 19-A, former section 4011, subsection 1 or Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 in another jurisdiction;

(3) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 15, section 1092, subsection 1, paragraph B when the condition of release violated is specified in Title 15, section 1026, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (5) or (8) when the alleged victim in the case for which the defendant was on bail was a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4; or

(4) Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, 208-B or 208-C, and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, 208-B or 208-C and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member or a dating partner.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

§ 210-C. Domestic violence stalking

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence stalking if:

A. The person violates section 210-A and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and at the time of the offense:

(1) Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-B or 211-A or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in paragraph A or in section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-B or 211-A in another jurisdiction;

(2) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 19-A, former section 4011, subsection 1 or Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 in another jurisdiction;

(3) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 15, section 1092, subsection 1, paragraph B when the condition of release violated is specified in Title 15, section 1026, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (5) or (8) when the alleged victim in the case for which the defendant was on bail was a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4; or

(4) Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, 208-B or 208-C, and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, 208-B or 208-C and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member or a dating partner.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

§ 211. Reckless conduct

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of reckless conduct if he recklessly creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.

2. Reckless conduct is a Class D crime.

§ 211-A. Domestic violence reckless conduct

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of domestic violence reckless conduct if:

A. The person violates section 211 and the victim is a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and at the time of the offense:

(1) Has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A or for violating section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-B or 210-C or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in paragraph A or in section 207-A, 208-D, 208-E, 208-F, 209-A, 210-B or 210-C in another jurisdiction;

(2) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 19-A, former section 4011, subsection 1 or Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 or one or more prior convictions for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in Title 19-A, section 4113, subsection 1 in another jurisdiction;

(3) Has one or more prior convictions for violating Title 15, section 1092, subsection 1, paragraph B when the condition of release violated is specified in Title 15, section 1026, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (5) or (8) when the alleged victim in the case for which the defendant was on bail was a family or household member as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6 or a dating partner as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4; or

(4) Has one or more prior convictions for violating section 208, 208-B or 208-C, and the State had pled and proved that the victim of the applicable prior conviction was a family or household member, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 6, or a dating partner, as defined in Title 19-A, section 4102, subsection 4, or has one or more prior convictions in another jurisdiction for engaging in conduct substantially similar to that contained in section 208, 208-B or 208-C and it had been pled and proved that the victim was a family or household member or a dating partner.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

Chapter 11. Sexual Assaults

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 253. Gross sexual assault

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of gross sexual assault if that person engages in a sexual act with another person and:

A. The other person submits as a result of compulsion, as defined in section 251, subsection 1, paragraph E. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

B. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, has not in fact attained the age of 14 years. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime; or

C. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, has not in fact attained 12 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime.

2. A person is guilty of gross sexual assault if that person engages in a sexual act with another person and:

A. The actor has substantially impaired the other person’s power to appraise or control the other person’s sexual acts by furnishing, as defined in section 1101, subsection 18, paragraph A, administering or employing drugs, intoxicants or other similar means. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

B. The actor compels or induces the other person to engage in the sexual act by any threat. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

C. The other person suffers from mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor, and which in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the contact involved or of understanding that the person has the right to deny or withdraw consent. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

D. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual act. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

E. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is under official supervision as a probationer, a parolee, a sex offender on supervised release, a prisoner on supervised community confinement status or a juvenile on community reintegration status or is detained in a hospital, prison or other institution, and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

F. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor is a teacher, employee or other official having instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student or the actor was a substitute teacher who had instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student at any time during the 12 months prior to the sexual act. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

G. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, has not attained the age of 18 years and is a resident in or attending a children’s home, child care facility, facility operated by a family child care provider, children’s residential care facility, drug treatment center, youth camp licensed under Title 22, section 2495 or similar school, facility or institution regularly providing care or services for children, and the actor is a teacher, employee or other person having instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the other person or the actor was a substitute teacher who had instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student at any time during the 12 months prior to the sexual act. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

H. The other person has not in fact attained the age of 18 years and the actor is a parent, stepparent, foster parent, guardian or other similar person responsible for the long-term care and welfare of that other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

I. The actor is a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional or purports to be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional to the other person and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a current patient or client of the actor. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

J. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and the organization, program or residence recognizes the other person as a person with an intellectual disability or autism. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this paragraph that the actor receives services for an intellectual disability or autism or is a person with an intellectual disability, as defined in Title 34-B, section 5001, subsection 3, or autism, as defined in Title 34-B, section 6002. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

K. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

L. The actor is employed to provide care to a dependent person, who is not the actor’s spouse or domestic partner and who is unable to perform self-care because of advanced age or physical or mental disease, disorder or defect. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

M. The other person has not consented to the sexual act and the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has consented. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; or

N. The actor is a law enforcement officer acting in performance of official duties and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, is under arrest, in custody or being interrogated or temporarily detained, including during a traffic stop or questioning pursuant to an investigation of a crime. For the purposes of this paragraph, “law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as in Title 25, section 2801-A, subsection 5. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime.

3. Repealed. Laws 2017, c. 300, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.

4. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 18, eff. Jan. 31, 2003.

5. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 19, eff. Jan. 31, 2003.

6. Repealed. Laws 2019, c. 113, § B-12, eff. May 16, 2019.

7. Repealed. Laws 2019, c. 113, § B-13, eff. May 16, 2019.

§ 254. Sexual abuse of minors

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of sexual abuse of a minor if:

A. The person engages in a sexual act with another person, not the actor’s spouse, who is either 14 or 15 years of age and the actor is at least 5 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

A-1. The person violates paragraph A and the actor knows that the other person is related to the actor within the 2nd degree of consanguinity. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

A-2. The person violates paragraph A and the actor is at least 10 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

B. Deleted. Laws 1989, c. 401, § A, 3.

C. The person is at least 21 years of age and engages in a sexual act with another person, not the actor’s spouse, who is either 16 or 17 years of age and is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor is a teacher, employee or other official in the school district, school union, educational unit, school, facility or institution in which the student is enrolled. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

D. The person violates paragraph C and the actor knows that the student is related to the actor within the 2nd degree of consanguinity. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

E. The person violates paragraph C and the actor is at least 10 years older than the student. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.

F. Repealed. Laws 2011, c. 464, § 8.

2. It is a defense to a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraphs A, A-1, A-2 and F, that the actor reasonably believed the other person is at least 16 years of age.

3. Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 21.

4. As used in this section, “related to the actor within the 2nd degree of consanguinity” has the meaning set forth in section 556.

§ 255-A. Unlawful sexual contact

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of unlawful sexual contact if the actor intentionally subjects another person to any sexual contact and:

A. The other person has not expressly or impliedly acquiesced in the sexual contact and the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has acquiesced. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

B. The other person has not expressly or impliedly acquiesced in the sexual contact, the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has acquiesced and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

C. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual contact. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

D. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual contact and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

E. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 14 years of age and the actor is at least 3 years older. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

E-1. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 12 years of age and the actor is at least 3 years older. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

F. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 14 years of age and the actor is at least 3 years older and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

F-1. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 12 years of age and the actor is at least 3 years older and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

F-2. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact either 14 or 15 years of age and the actor is at least 10 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

G. The other person suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the contact involved or of understanding that the other person has the right to deny or withdraw consent. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

H. The other person suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the contact involved or of understanding that the other person has the right to deny or withdraw consent and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

I. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is under official supervision as a probationer, a parolee, a sex offender on supervised release, a prisoner on supervised community confinement status or a juvenile on community reintegration status or is detained in a hospital, prison or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

J. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is under official supervision as a probationer, a parolee, a sex offender on supervised release, a prisoner on supervised community confinement status or a juvenile on community reintegration status or is detained in a hospital, prison or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the other person and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

K. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor is a teacher, employee or other official having instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student or the actor was a substitute teacher who had instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student at any time during the 12 months prior to the sexual contact. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

L. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor is a teacher, employee or other official having instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student and the sexual contact includes penetration or the actor was a substitute teacher who had instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student at any time during the 12 months prior to the sexual contact and the sexual contact included penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

M. The other person is in fact less than 18 years of age and the actor is a parent, stepparent, foster parent, guardian or other similar person responsible for the long-term general care and welfare of that other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

N. The other person is in fact less than 18 years of age and the actor is a parent, stepparent, foster parent, guardian or other similar person responsible for the long-term general care and welfare of that other person and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

O. The other person submits as a result of compulsion. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

P. The other person submits as a result of compulsion and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

Q. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and the organization, program or residence recognizes that other person as a person with an intellectual disability or autism. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this paragraph that the actor receives services for an intellectual disability or autism or is a person with an intellectual disability, as defined in Title 34-B, section 5001, subsection 3, or autism, as defined in Title 34-B, section 6002. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

R. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and the organization, program or residence recognizes that other person as a person with an intellectual disability or autism and the sexual contact includes penetration. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this paragraph that the actor receives services for an intellectual disability or autism or is a person with an intellectual disability, as defined in Title 34-B, section 5001, subsection 3, or autism, as defined in Title 34-B, section 6002. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

R-1. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

R-2. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

S. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 18 years of age and is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor, who is at least 21 years of age, is a teacher, employee or other official in the school district, school union, educational unit, school, facility or institution in which the student is enrolled. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

T. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 18 years of age and is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor, who is at least 21 years of age, is a teacher, employee or other official in the school district, school union, educational unit, school, facility or institution in which the student is enrolled and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

U. The actor is a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional or purports to be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional to the other person and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a current patient or client of the actor. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

V. The actor is a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional or purports to be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional to the other person and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a current patient or client of the actor and the sexual contact includes penetration. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

W. The actor is employed to provide care to a dependent person, who is not the actor’s spouse or domestic partner and who is unable to perform self-care because of advanced age or physical or mental disease, disorder or defect. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

X. The actor is employed to provide care to a dependent person, who is not the actor’s spouse or domestic partner and who is unable to perform self-care because of advanced age or physical or mental disease, disorder or defect and the sexual contact includes penetration. For the purposes of this paragraph, “domestic partners” means 2 unmarried adults who are domiciled together under a long-term arrangement that evidences a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

§ 256. Visual sexual aggression against child

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of visual sexual aggression against a child if:

A. For the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing affront or alarm, the actor, having in fact attained 18 years of age, exposes the actor’s genitals to another person or causes the other person to expose that person’s genitals to the actor and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, has not in fact attained 14 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

B. For the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, the actor, having in fact attained 18 years of age, exposes the actor’s genitals to another person or causes the other person to expose that person’s genitals to the actor and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, has not in fact attained 12 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

C. For the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, the actor, having in fact attained 18 years of age, intentionally engages in visual surveillance, aided or unaided by mechanical or electronic equipment, of the uncovered breasts, buttocks, genitals, anus or pubic area of another person, not the actor’s spouse and not having in fact attained 14 years of age, under circumstances in which a reasonable person would expect to be safe from such visual surveillance. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

D. For the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, the actor, having in fact attained 18 years of age, intentionally engages in visual surveillance, aided or unaided by mechanical or electronic equipment, of the uncovered breasts, buttocks, genitals, anus or pubic area of another person, not the actor’s spouse and not having in fact attained 12 years of age, under circumstances in which a reasonable person would expect to be safe from such visual surveillance. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

§ 258. Sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of age

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of age if that person, having in fact attained 18 years of age, knowingly displays any sexually explicit materials to another person, not the actor’s spouse, who has not in fact attained the age of 14 years, with the intent to encourage the other person to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact. Violation of this subsection is a Class D crime.

1-A. A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a child under 12 years of age if that person, having in fact attained 18 years of age, knowingly displays any sexually explicit materials to another person, not the actor’s spouse, who has not in fact attained 12 years of age, with the intent to encourage the other person to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact. Violation of this subsection is a Class C crime.

2. As used in this section, “sexually explicit materials” means any book, magazine, print, negative, slide, motion picture, videotape or other mechanically reproduced visual material that the person knows or should know depicts a person, minor or adult, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, as that term is defined in section 281.

3. Repealed. Laws 2003, c. 711, § B-8.

§ 259-A. Solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of soliciting a child to commit a prohibited act if:

A. The actor, with the intent to engage in a prohibited act with the other person, knowingly solicits directly or indirectly that person by any means to engage in a prohibited act and the actor:

(1) Is at least 16 years of age;

(2) Knows or believes that the other person is less than 14 years of age; and

(3) Is at least 3 years older than the age expressed by the other person.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The actor, with the intent to engage in a prohibited act with the other person, knowingly solicits directly or indirectly that person by any means to engage in a prohibited act and the actor:

(1) Is at least 16 years of age;

(2) Knows or believes that the other person is less than 12 years of age; and

(3) Is at least 3 years older than the age expressed by the other person.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. For purposes of this section, “prohibited act” means:

A. A sexual act;

B. Sexual contact; or

C. Sexual exploitation of a minor pursuant to section 282.

§ 259-B. Solicitation of a child to engage in prostitution

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of soliciting a child to engage in prostitution if the actor knowingly solicits directly or indirectly by any means a person the actor knows or believes is under 18 years of age to engage in prostitution, as defined in section 851.

2. Violation of this section is a Class D crime.

§ 260. Unlawful sexual touching

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Unlawful sexual touching. A person is guilty of unlawful sexual touching if the actor intentionally subjects another person to any sexual touching and:

A. The other person has not expressly or impliedly acquiesced in the sexual touching and the actor is criminally negligent with regard to whether the other person has acquiesced. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

B. The other person is unconscious or otherwise physically incapable of resisting and has not consented to the sexual touching. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

C. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 14 years of age and the actor is at least 5 years older. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

D. The other person suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the touching involved or of understanding that the other person has the right to deny or withdraw consent. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

E. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is under official supervision as a probationer, a parolee, a sex offender on supervised release, a prisoner on supervised community confinement status or a juvenile on community reintegration status or is detained in a hospital, prison or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

F. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor is a teacher, employee or other official having instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student or the actor was a substitute teacher who had instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student at any time during the 12 months prior to the sexual touching. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

G. The other person is in fact less than 18 years of age and the actor is a parent, stepparent, foster parent, guardian or other similar person responsible for the long-term general care and welfare of that other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

H. The other person submits as a result of compulsion. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

I. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and the organization, program or residence recognizes that other person as a person with an intellectual disability or autism. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this paragraph that the actor receives services for an intellectual disability or autism or is a person with an intellectual disability, as defined in Title 34-B, section 5001, subsection 3, or autism, as defined in Title 34-B, section 6002. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

J. The other person, not the actor’s spouse, is in fact less than 18 years of age and is a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the actor, who is at least 21 years of age, is a teacher, employee or other official in the school district, school union, educational unit, school, facility or institution in which the student is enrolled. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

K. The actor is a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional or purports to be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed as a social worker or counseling professional to the other person and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, is a current patient or client of the actor. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

L. The actor owns, operates or is an employee of an organization, program or residence that is operated, administered, licensed or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and the other person, not the actor’s spouse, receives services from the organization, program or residence and suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

M. The actor is employed to provide care to a dependent person, who is not the actor’s spouse or domestic partner and who is unable to perform self-care because of advanced age or physical or mental disease, disorder or defect. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.

§ 261. Prohibited contact with a minor; sex offender restricted zone

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of prohibited contact with a minor if that person:

A. Was convicted on or after June 30, 1992 of an offense under this chapter or chapter 12 against another person who had not in fact attained 14 years of age or was convicted on or after June 30, 1992 in another jurisdiction for conduct substantially similar to that contained in this chapter or chapter 12 against another person who had not in fact attained 14 years of age; and

B. Deleted. Laws 2009, c. 365, § A-1.

C. Intentionally or knowingly initiates direct or indirect contact with another person who has not in fact attained 14 years of age.

Violation of this subsection is a Class E crime.

2. A person is guilty of prohibited contact with a minor in a sex offender restricted zone if that person:

A. Was convicted on or after June 30, 1992 of an offense under this chapter or chapter 12 against another person who had not in fact attained 14 years of age or was convicted on or after June 30, 1992 in another jurisdiction for conduct substantially similar to that contained in this chapter or chapter 12 against another person who had not in fact attained 14 years of age; and

B. Deleted. Laws 2009, c. 365, § A-2.

C. Intentionally or knowingly initiates direct or indirect contact in a sex offender restricted zone with another person who has not in fact attained 14 years of age.

Violation of this subsection is a Class D crime.

3. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the parent, foster parent, guardian or other similar person responsible for the person who had not in fact attained 14 years of age, knowing the conviction status described in subsections 1 and 2, gave consent that the defendant initiate, have or continue direct or indirect contact. It is also an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that any contact is incidental to and directly related to the defendant’s employment.

4. For purposes of this section, “sex offender restricted zone” means the real property comprising a public or private elementary or middle school; the real property comprising a child care center, a child care facility, a day care operated by a family child care provider, a nursery school or a small child care facility as defined under Title 22, section 8301-A; or an athletic field, park, playground, recreational facility, youth camp licensed under Title 22, section 2495 or other place where children are the primary users.

5. For purposes of this section, “indirect contact” includes, but is not limited to, a person photographing another person who has not in fact attained 14 years of age after the person’s having been notified, in writing or otherwise, by a law enforcement officer, corrections officer or judicial officer not to engage in that conduct. The notification not to engage in that conduct expires one year after the date the notification is given. For purposes of this subsection, “photographing” means making, capturing, generating or saving a print, negative, slide, motion picture, computer data file, videotape or other mechanically, electronically or chemically reproduced visual image or material.

Chapter 12. Sexual Exploitation of Minors

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 282. Sexual exploitation of minor

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor if:

A. Knowing or intending that the conduct will be photographed, the person intentionally or knowingly employs, solicits, entices, persuades or uses another person, not that person’s spouse, who has not in fact attained 16 years of age, to engage in sexually explicit conduct, except that it is not a violation of this paragraph if the other person is 14 or 15 years of age and the person is less than 5 years older than the other person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

A-1. Knowing or intending that the conduct will be photographed, the person intentionally or knowingly compels or induces by any threat another person, not that person’s spouse, who is in fact a minor, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

B. The person violates paragraph A or A-1 and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

C. The person violates paragraph A or A-1 and the minor has not in fact attained 12 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime;

D. Being a parent, legal guardian or other person having care or custody of another person who has not in fact attained 16 years of age, that person knowingly or intentionally permits that person who has not in fact attained 16 years of age to engage in sexually explicit conduct, knowing or intending that the conduct will be photographed. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

E. The person violates paragraph D and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime; or

F. The person violates paragraph D and the minor has not in fact attained 12 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime.

2. The following mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment apply to sexual exploitation of a minor.

A. A court shall impose upon a person convicted under subsection 1, paragraph A, A-1 or D a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of at least 5 years.

B. A court shall impose upon a person convicted under subsection 1, paragraph B or E a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.

The court may not suspend a minimum term of imprisonment imposed under this section unless it sets forth in detail, in writing, the reasons for suspending the sentence. The court shall consider the nature and circumstances of the crime, the physical and mental well-being of the minor and the history and character of the defendant and may only suspend the minimum term if the court is of the opinion that the exceptional features of the case justify the imposition of another sentence. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

§ 283. Dissemination of sexually explicit material

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of dissemination of sexually explicit material if:

A. The person intentionally or knowingly disseminates or possesses with intent to disseminate any book, magazine, newspaper, print, negative, slide, motion picture, videotape, computer data file or other mechanically, electronically or chemically reproduced visual image or material that depicts any person who has not in fact attained 16 years of age who the person knows or has reason to know is a person under 16 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct, except that it is not a violation of this paragraph if the person depicted is 14 or 15 years of age and the person is less than 5 years older than the person depicted. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

B. The person violates paragraph A and, at the time of the offense, has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime;

C. The person intentionally or knowingly disseminates or possesses with intent to disseminate any book, magazine, newspaper, print, negative, slide, motion picture, videotape, computer data file or other mechanically, electronically or chemically reproduced visual image or material that depicts any minor who is less than 12 years of age who the person knows or has reason to know is a minor less than 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; or

D. The person violates paragraph C and, at the time of the offense, has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime.

Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

2. For the purposes of this section, possession of 10 or more copies of any of the materials as described in subsection 1 gives rise to a permissible inference under the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 303 that the person possesses those items with intent to disseminate.

3. For purposes of this section, any element of age of the person depicted means the age of the person at the time the sexually explicit conduct occurred, not the age of the person depicted at the time of dissemination or possession of the sexually explicit visual image or material.

Chapter 13. Kidnapping and Criminal Restraint

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 301. Kidnapping

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of kidnapping if either:

A. The actor knowingly restrains another person with the intent to:

(1) Hold the other person for ransom or reward;

(2) Use the other person as a shield or hostage;

(3) Inflict bodily injury upon the other person;

(3-A) Subject the other person to conduct defined as criminal in chapter 11;

(4) Terrorize the other person or a 3rd person;

(5) Facilitate the commission of another crime by any person or flight thereafter; or

(6) Interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or

B. The actor knowingly restrains another person:

(1) Under circumstances which in fact expose the other person to risk of serious bodily injury; or

(2) By secreting and holding the other person in a place where the other person is not likely to be found.

2. “Restrain” means to restrict substantially the movements of another person without the other person’s consent or other lawful authority by:

A. Removing the other person from the other person’s residence or place of business or from a school;

B. Moving the other person a substantial distance from the vicinity where the other person is found;

C. Confining the other person for a substantial period either in the place where the restriction commences or in a place to which the other person has been moved;

D. Destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating or possessing any actual or purported passport or other immigration document or other actual or purported government identification document of the other person; or

E. Using any scheme, plan or pattern intended to cause the other person to believe that if the person does not perform certain labor or services, including prostitution, that the person or another person will suffer serious harm or restraint.

2-A. “Hostage” means a person restrained with the intent that a 3rd person, not the person restrained or the actor, perform or refrain from performing some act.

2-B. It is a defense to a prosecution under this section that the person restrained is the child of the actor.

3. Kidnapping is a Class A crime. It is however, a defense which reduces the crime to a Class B crime, if the defendant voluntarily released the victim alive and not suffering from serious bodily injury, in a safe place prior to trial.

§ 302. Criminal restraint

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of criminal restraint if:

A. Knowing the actor has no legal right to do so, the actor intentionally or knowingly takes, retains or entices another person who:

(1) Is less than 14 years of age. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime;

(2) Is incompetent. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime;

(3) Is either 14, 15 or 16 years of age from the custody of the other person’s parent, guardian or other lawful custodian, with the intent to hold the other person permanently or for a prolonged period and the actor is at least 18 years of age. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or

(4) Is in fact less than 8 years of age. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime; or

B. The actor:

(1) Knowingly restrains another person. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or

(2) Knowingly restrains another person who is in fact less than 8 years of age. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime.

As used in this paragraph, “restrain” has the same meaning as in section 301, subsection 2.

2. It is a defense to a prosecution under this section that the actor is the parent of the other person taken, retained, enticed or restrained. Consent by the person taken, retained or enticed is not a defense to a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A.

§ 303. Criminal restraint by parent

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of criminal restraint by a parent if, being the parent of a child and knowing the person has no legal right to do so, the person takes, retains or entices the child:

A. Who has not in fact attained 16 years of age, from the custody of the child’s other parent, guardian or other lawful custodian with the intent to remove the child from the State or to secrete the child and hold the child in a place where the child is not likely to be found. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

B. Who resides in another state and who has not in fact attained 16 years of age, from the custody of the child’s other parent, guardian or other lawful custodian, whose custodial authority was established by a court of this State, with the intent to remove the child from that state or to secrete the child and hold the child in a place where the child is not likely to be found. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime; or

C. Who is either 16 or 17 years of age, from the custody of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Health and Human Services with the intent to remove the child from the State or to secrete the child and hold the child in a place where the child is not likely to be found. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.

2. Consent by the child taken, enticed or retained is not a defense under this section.

3. A law enforcement officer may not be held liable for taking physical custody of a child who the officer reasonably believes has been taken, retained or enticed in violation of this section and for delivering the child to a person who the officer reasonably believes is the child’s lawful custodian or to any other suitable person.

For purposes of this subsection, “reasonable belief a child has been taken, retained or enticed in violation of this section” includes, but is not limited to, a determination by a law enforcement officer, based on the officer’s review of the terms of a certified copy of the most recent court decree granting custody of the child, that the parent who is exercising control over the child is not the person authorized to have custody under terms of the decree.

4. A law enforcement officer may arrest without a warrant any person who the officer has probable cause to believe has violated or is violating this section.

5. Deleted. Laws 2007, c. 96, § 7.

Chapter 21. Offenses Against Public Order

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 506. Harassment by telephone or by electronic communication device

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of harassment by telephone or by electronic communication device if:

A. By means of telephone or electronic communication device the person makes any comment, request, suggestion or proposal that is, in fact, offensively coarse or obscene, without the consent of the person called or contacted. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

A-1. By means of telephone or electronic communication device the person, with the intent to cause affront or alarm or for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, sends an image or video of a sexual act as defined in section 251, subsection 1, paragraph C or of the actor’s or another person’s genitals and:

(1) The person called or contacted is in fact under 14 years of age;

(2) The person called or contacted is in fact 14 or 15 years of age and the actor is at least 5 years older than the person called or contacted; or

(3) The person called or contacted suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor.

Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

A-2. By means of telephone or electronic communication device the person sends an image or a video of a sexual act as defined in section 251, subsection 1, paragraph C or of the actor’s or another person’s genitals without the consent of the person called or contacted after the person called or contacted has notified the actor, in writing or otherwise, that the person does not consent to receiving such images or videos. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

B. The person makes a telephone call or makes a call or contact by means of an electronic communication device, whether or not oral or written conversation ensues, without disclosing the person’s identity and with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person at the called or contacted number or account. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

C. The person makes or causes the telephone or electronic communication device of another repeatedly or continuously to ring or activate or receive data, with the intent to harass any person at the called or contacted number or account. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime;

D. The person makes repeated telephone calls or repeated calls or contacts by means of an electronic communication device, during which oral or written conversation ensues, with the intent to harass any person at the called or contacted number or account. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or

E. The person knowingly permits any telephone or electronic communication device under the person’s control to be used for any purpose prohibited by this section. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime.

2. The crime defined in this section may be prosecuted and punished in the county in which the defendant was located when the defendant used the telephone or electronic communication device, or in the county in which the telephone called or made to ring or the electronic communication device called or made to ring or be activated or receive data by the defendant was located.

2-A. As used in this section, “electronic communication device” means any electronic or digital product that communicates at a distance by electronic transmission impulses or by fiber optics, including any software capable of sending and receiving communication, allowing a person to electronically engage in the conduct prohibited under this section.

3. Deleted. Laws 2017, c. 397, § 1, eff. Aug. 1, 2018.

§ 506-A. Harassment

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of harassment if, without reasonable cause:

A. The person engages in any course of conduct with the intent to harass, torment or threaten another person:

(1) After having been notified, in writing or otherwise, not to engage in such conduct by:

(a) Any sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer or justice of the peace. The notification not to engage in such conduct expires one year from the date of issuance; or

(b) A court in a protective order issued under Title 5, section 4654 or 4655 or Title 19-A, former section 4006 or 4007 or Title 19-A, section 4108 or 4110; or

(2) If the person is an adult in the custody or under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, after having been forbidden to engage in such conduct by the Commissioner of Corrections, the chief administrative officer of the facility, the correctional administrator for the region or their designees; or

(3) After having been notified, in writing or otherwise, while the person was a member of the National Guard, not to engage in such conduct by a commanding officer. A person violates this subparagraph regardless of whether the person is a member of the National Guard when the person engages in the conduct and regardless of where the conduct occurs. The notification not to engage in such conduct expires one year from the date of issuance.

 

Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and, at the time of the harassment, the person has 2 or more prior Maine convictions under this section in which the victim was the same person or a member of that victim’s immediate family or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 67, eff. Jan. 31, 2003.

3. For the purposes of this section, “immediate family” means spouse, parent, child, sibling, stepchild and stepparent, “National Guard” has the same meaning as in Title 37-B, section 102, subsection 1 and “commanding officer” has the same meaning as in Title 37-B, section 402, subsection 4.

§ 511. Violation of privacy

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of violation of privacy if, except in the execution of a public duty or as authorized by law, that person intentionally:

A. Commits a civil trespass on property with the intent to overhear or observe any person in a private place;

B. Installs or uses in a private place without the consent of the person or persons entitled to privacy in that place, any device for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying or broadcasting sounds or events in that place;

C. Installs or uses outside a private place without the consent of the person or persons entitled to privacy therein any device for observing, photographing, hearing, recording, amplifying or broadcasting images or sounds originating in that place that would not ordinarily be visible, audible or comprehensible outside that place;

D. Engages in visual surveillance in a public place by means of mechanical or electronic equipment with the intent to observe or photograph, or record, amplify or broadcast an image of any portion of the body of another person present in that place when that portion of the body is in fact concealed from public view under clothing and a reasonable person would expect it to be safe from surveillance;

E. Violates paragraph A, B, C or D and the other person subject to a violation of privacy has not in fact attained 16 years of age; or

F. Violates paragraph A, B, C or D for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of that person or another person, and the person subject to a violation of privacy has not in fact attained 16 years of age.

1-A. It is a defense to a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph D that the person subject to surveillance had in fact attained 14 years of age and had consented to the visual surveillance.

2. As used in this section, “private place” means a place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from surveillance, including, but not limited to, changing or dressing rooms, bathrooms and similar places.

3. Violation of privacy is a Class D crime.

§ 511-A. Unauthorized dissemination of certain private images

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of unauthorized dissemination of certain private images if the person, with the intent to harass, torment or threaten the depicted person or another person, knowingly disseminates, displays or publishes a photograph, videotape, film or digital recording of another person in a state of nudity or engaged in a sexual act or engaged in sexual contact in a manner in which there is no public or newsworthy purpose when the person knows or should have known that the depicted person:

A. Repealed. Laws 2015, c. 394, § 5, eff. July 29, 2016.

B. Is identifiable from the image itself or information displayed in connection with the image; and

C. Has not consented to the dissemination, display or publication of the private image.

2. This section does not apply to the following:

A. Lawful and common practices of medical treatment;

B. Images involving voluntary exposure in a public or commercial setting; or

C. An interactive computer service, as defined in 47 United States Code, Section 230(f)(2), or an information service, as defined in 47 United States Code, Section 153, with regard to content provided by another person.

3. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Sexual act” has the same meaning as in section 251, subsection 1, paragraph C and also includes:

(1) The transfer or transmission of semen upon any part of the clothed or unclothed body of the depicted person;

(2) Urination within a sexual context;

(3) Bondage or sadomasochism in any sexual context;

(4) Simulated sexual acts; and

(5) Masturbation.

B. “Sexual contact” has the same meaning as in section 251, subsection 1, paragraph D and includes simulated sexual contact.

C. “State of nudity” means the condition of displaying fully unclothed, partially unclothed or transparently clothed genitals, pubic area or anus or, if the person is female, a partially or fully exposed breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.

4. Unauthorized dissemination of certain private images is a Class D crime.

5. Access to and dissemination of certain private images as described in subsection 1 and any written information describing and directly pertaining to the images contained in court records are governed by rule or administrative order adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court.

Chapter 23. Offenses Against the Family

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 555. Endangering welfare of dependent person

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of endangering the welfare of a dependent person if:

A. The person recklessly endangers the health, safety or mental welfare of a dependent person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime;

B. The person intentionally or knowingly endangers the health, safety or mental welfare of a dependent person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime;

C. The person recklessly infringes on a dependent person’s rights of association, including but not limited to the right to receive visitors, mail or telephone or electronic communication, for the purpose of establishing or maintaining undue influence over that person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

D. The person intentionally or knowingly infringes on a dependent person’s rights of association, including but not limited to the right to receive visitors, mail or telephone or electronic communication, for the purpose of establishing or maintaining undue influence over that person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Endanger” includes a failure to act only when the defendant has a legal duty to protect the health, safety or mental welfare of the dependent person. For purposes of this paragraph, a legal duty may be inferred if the defendant has assumed responsibility in whole or in part for the care of the dependent person.

B. “Dependent person” means a person, regardless of where that person resides, who is wholly or partially dependent upon one or more other persons for care or support because the person suffers from a significant limitation in mobility, vision, hearing or mental functioning or is unable to perform self-care because of advanced age or physical or mental disease, disorder or defect.

C. “Undue influence” has the same meaning as in section 109, subsection 4.

§ 556. Incest

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of incest if the person is at least 18 years of age and:

A. Engages in sexual intercourse with another person who the actor knows is related to the actor within the 2nd degree of consanguinity. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. Violates paragraph A and, at the time of the incest, the person has 2 or more prior Maine convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

1-A. It is a defense to a prosecution under this section that, at the time the actor engaged in sexual intercourse with the other person, the actor was legally married to the other person.

1-B. As used in this section “sexual intercourse” means any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ. Emission is not required.

1-C. As used in this section, “related to the actor within the 2nd degree of consanguinity” has the following meanings.

A. When the actor is a woman, it means the other person is her father, grandfather, son, grandson, brother, brother’s son, sister’s son, father’s brother or mother’s brother.

B. When this actor is a man, it means the other person is his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, brother’s daughter, sister’s daughter, father’s sister or mother’s sister.

2. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 383, § 72, eff. Jan. 31, 2003.

Chapter 33. Arson and Other Property Destruction

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 802. Arson

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of arson if he starts, causes, or maintains a fire or explosion;

A. On the property of another with the intent to damage or destroy property thereon; or

B. On his own property or the property of another

(1) with the intent to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused by the fire or explosion; or

(2) which recklessly endangers any person or the property of another.

2. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph B, the requirements of specificity in the charge and proof at the trial otherwise required by law do not include a requirement to allege or prove the ownership of the property. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, it is a defense that the actor reasonably believed he had the permission of the property owner to engage in the conduct alleged. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, “property of another” has the same meaning as in section 352, subsection 4.

3. Arson is a Class A crime.

§ 805. Aggravated criminal mischief

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of aggravated criminal mischief if that person:

A. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damages or destroys property of another in an amount exceeding $2,000 in value, having no reasonable ground to believe that the person has a right to do so;

B. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damages or destroys property in an amount exceeding $2,000 in value, to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused;

C. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damages, destroys or tampers with the property of a law enforcement agency, fire department or supplier of gas, electric, steam, water, transportation, sanitation or communication services to the public, having no reasonable ground to believe that the person has a right to do so, and thereby causes a substantial interruption or impairment of service rendered to the public;

D. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damages, destroys or tampers with property of another and thereby recklessly endangers human life;

E. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damages or destroys property of another by fire, having no reasonable ground to believe that the person has a right to do so, and the property damaged or destroyed is neither a dwelling place as defined in section 2, subsection 10 nor a structure as defined in section 2, subsection 24; or

F. Intentionally damages, destroys or tampers with the property of another, having no reasonable ground to believe that the person has a right to do so, for the purpose of causing substantial harm to the health, safety, business, calling, career, financial condition, reputation or personal relationships of the person with the property interest or any other person.

1-A. As used in this section, “property of another” has the same meaning as in section 352, subsection 4.

1-B. As used in this section, “value”, if the property is destroyed, shall be determined pursuant to section 352, subsection 5. If the property is damaged, “value” shall be determined by the cost of repair unless that determination exceeds the determination of the value of the property had it been destroyed, in which case the property shall be deemed destroyed for purposes of this subsection. Amounts of value involved in mischiefs may be aggregated in the same manner as provided in section 352, subsection 5, paragraph E. Prosecution for an aggregated aggravated criminal mischief may be brought in any venue in which one of the criminal mischiefs which have been aggregated was committed.

2. Aggravated criminal mischief is a Class C crime.

§ 806. Criminal mischief

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of criminal mischief if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly:

A. Damages or destroys the property of another, having no reasonable grounds to believe that the person has a right to do so; damages or destroys property to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused; or tampers with the property of another, having no reasonable grounds to believe that the person has the right to do so, and thereby impairs the use of that property;

B. Damages, destroys or tampers with property of a law enforcement agency, fire department, or supplier of gas, electric, steam, water, transportation, sanitation or communication services to the public, having no reasonable grounds to believe that the person has a right to do so, and by such conduct recklessly creates a risk of interruption or impairment of services rendered to the public; or

C. Drives or places in any tree or saw log, without the prior consent of the owner, any iron, steel or other substance sufficiently hard to damage saws or wood manufacturing or processing equipment with intent to cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to any other person.

1-A. As used in this section, “property of another” has the same meaning as in section 352, subsection 4.

2. Criminal mischief is a Class D crime.

Chapter 35. Sex Trafficking, Prostitution and Public Indecency

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 852. Aggravated sex trafficking

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly:

A. Promotes prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in or remain in prostitution;

B. Promotes prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 years of age; or

C. Promotes prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct involved.

Violation of this subsection is a Class B crime.

1-A. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly promotes prostitution of a person 14 years of age or younger. Violation of this subsection is a Class A crime.

2. As used in this section, “compelling” includes but is not limited to:

A. The use of a drug or intoxicating substance to render a person incapable of controlling that person’s conduct or appreciating its nature;

B. Withholding or threatening to withhold a scheduled drug or alcohol from a drug or alcohol-dependent person. A “drug or alcohol-dependent person” is one who is using scheduled drugs or alcohol and who is in a state of psychic or physical dependence or both, arising from the use of the drug or alcohol on a continuing basis;

C. Making material false statements, misstatements or omissions;

D. Withholding, destroying or confiscating an actual or purported passport or other immigration document or other actual or purported government identification document with the intent to impair a person’s freedom of movement;

E. Requiring prostitution to be performed to retire, repay or service an actual or purported debt; and

F. Using force or engaging in any scheme, plan or pattern to instill in a person a fear that, if the person does not engage or continue to engage in prostitution, the actor or another person will:

(1) Cause physical injury or death to a person;

(2) Cause damage to property, other than property of the actor;

(3) Engage in other conduct constituting a Class A, B or C crime or criminal restraint;

(4) Accuse some person of a crime or cause criminal charges or deportation proceedings to be instituted against some person;

(5) Expose a secret or publicize an asserted fact, regardless of veracity, tending to subject some person, except the actor, to hatred, contempt or ridicule;

(6) Testify or provide information or withhold testimony or information regarding another person’s legal claim or defense;

(7) Use a position as a public servant to perform some act related to that person’s official duties or fail or refuse to perform an official duty in a manner that adversely affects some other person; or

(8) Perform any other act that would not in itself materially benefit the actor but that is calculated to harm the person being compelled with respect to that person’s health, safety or immigration status.3. Repealed. Laws 2021, c. 469, § 3, eff. Oct. 18, 2021.

§ 853. Sex Trafficking

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of sex trafficking if:

A. The person knowingly promotes prostitution. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or

B. The person violates paragraph A and has 2 or more prior convictions in this State for any combination of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. The Maine offenses are any violation of this section or section 852, 853-B or 855 or attempts to commit any of these crimes. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.

2. Deleted. Laws 2013, c. 407, § 3, eff. Oct. 9, 2013.

3. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person engaged in sex trafficking because the person was compelled to do so as described in section 852, subsection 2.

4. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the act alleged to constitute sex trafficking consisted of the person publicly soliciting a patron to engage in prostitution only with the person.

Chapter 37. Fraud

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 905-A. Misuse of identification

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. A person is guilty of misuse of identification if, in order to obtain confidential information, property or services, the person intentionally or knowingly:

A. Presents or uses a credit or debit card that is stolen, forged, canceled or obtained as a result of fraud or deception;

B. Presents or uses an account, credit or billing number that that person is not authorized to use or that was obtained as a result of fraud or deception; or

C. Presents or uses a form of legal identification that that person is not authorized to use.

2. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person believed in good faith that the person was authorized to present or use the card, number or legal identification.

3. Proof of actual or constructive notice of cancellation gives rise to a permissible inference under the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 303 that the person who presented the canceled credit or debit card knew it had been canceled.

4. As used in this section, “legal identification” includes a social security card, social security number, birth certificate, driver’s license, government-issued identification card, oral statement of full name and date of birth or any other means of identifying a person that is generally accepted as accurate and reliable.

5. Misuse of identification is a Class D crime.

Part 6. Punishments

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 63. Sentences of Imprisonment

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 1604. Imprisonment for crimes other than murder

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Maximum terms of imprisonment dependent on crime class. Unless a different maximum term of imprisonment is specified by statute, the maximum term of imprisonment is as follows:

A. In the case of a Class A crime, 30 years;

B. In the case of a Class B crime, 10 years;

C. In the case of a Class C crime, 5 years;

D. In the case of a Class D crime, less than one year; or

E. In the case of a Class E crime, 6 months.

2. Exceptions to maximum term of imprisonment based on crime class. Notwithstanding subsection 1:

A. In the case of the Class A crime of aggravated attempted murder, the court shall set a term of imprisonment under section 152-A, subsection 2 of life or a definite period of any term of years;

B. If the State pleads and proves that the defendant is a repeat sexual assault offender, the court may set a definite term of imprisonment under section 253-A, subsection 1 for any term of years; and

C. In the case of the Class A crime of gross sexual assault against an individual who had not yet attained 12 years of age, the court shall set a definite term of imprisonment under section 253-A, subsection 2 for any term of years.

3. Mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for crime with use of firearm against an individual. If the State pleads and proves that a Class A, B or C crime was committed with the use of a firearm against an individual, the minimum sentence of imprisonment, which may not be suspended, is as follows:

A. In the case of a Class A crime, 4 years;

B. In the case of a Class B crime, 2 years; and

C. In the case of a Class C crime, one year.

 

For purposes of this subsection, the applicable sentencing class is determined in accordance with subsection 5, paragraph A.

 

This subsection does not apply if the State pleads and proves criminal threatening or attempted criminal threatening, as defined in section 209, or terrorizing or attempted terrorizing, as defined in section 210, subsection 1, paragraph A.

4. Mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment for certain drug crimes. For an individual convicted of violating section 1105-A, 1105-B, 1105-C, 1105-D or 1118-A, except as otherwise provided in section 1125, subsections 2 and 3, the court shall impose a minimum sentence of imprisonment, which may not be suspended, as provided in section 1125, subsection 1.

5. Circumstances elevating class of crime. The following circumstances elevate the class of a crime.

A. If the State pleads and proves that a Class B, C, D or E crime was committed with the use of a dangerous weapon, then the sentencing class for such crime is one class higher than it would otherwise be. In the case of a Class A crime committed with the use of a dangerous weapon, such use must be assigned special weight by the court in exercising its sentencing discretion. This paragraph does not apply to a violation or an attempted violation of section 208, to any other offenses to which use of a dangerous weapon serves as an element or to any offense for which the sentencing class is otherwise elevated because the actor or an accomplice to that actor’s or accomplice’s knowledge was armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon.

B. If the State pleads and proves that, at the time any crime under chapter 9, 11, 12, 13, 27 or 35; section 402-A, subsection 1, paragraph A; or section 752-A, 752-C or 752-F was committed, or an attempt of any such crime was committed, the individual had 2 or more prior convictions under chapter 9, 11, 12, 13, 27 or 35; section 402-A, subsection 1, paragraph A; or section 752-A, 752-C or 752-F, or for an attempt of any such crime, or for engaging in substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction, the sentencing class for the crime is one class higher than it would otherwise be.

(1) In the case of a Class A crime, the sentencing class is not elevated, but the prior record must be assigned special weight by the court when imposing a sentence.

(2) Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence, except that, for the purposes of this paragraph, for violations under chapter 11, the dates of prior convictions may have occurred at any time.

 

This paragraph does not apply to section 210-A if the prior convictions have already served to elevate the sentencing class under section 210-A, subsection 1, paragraph C or E or any other offense in which prior convictions have already served to elevate the sentencing class.

 

This paragraph does not apply to murder under section 201 or to section 853-A.

C. The sentencing class for a crime that is pled and proved and is subject to elevation pursuant to both paragraphs A and B may be elevated successively pursuant to both of those paragraphs if the crime that is pled and proved contains different class elevation factors.

6. Special weight required for certain aggravating sentencing factors pleaded and proved. In exercising its sentencing discretion, a court shall assign special weight to the following aggravating sentencing factors pleaded and proved by the State:

A. In the case of Class A gross sexual assault, the aggravating sentencing factor specified in section 253-A, subsection 3, paragraph A;

B. In the case of gross sexual assault in violation of section 253, subsection 1 or section 253, subsection 2, the aggravating sentencing factor specified in section 253-A, subsection 3, paragraph B; and

C. In the case of sexual exploitation of a minor, the aggravating sentencing factor specified in section 282, subsection 3.

7. Special weight required for certain aggravating sentencing factors found present by court. In exercising its sentencing discretion, the court shall assign special weight to the following aggravating sentencing factors if found by the court.

A. In imposing a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment for an individual convicted of aggravated attempted murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, elevated aggravated assault or aggravated assault of a child who had not in fact attained 6 years of age at the time the crime was committed, the court shall assign special weight to this objective fact in determining the basic term of imprisonment as the first step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph A. The court shall assign special weight to any subjective victim impact in determining the maximum term of incarceration in the 2nd step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph B. The court may not suspend that portion of the maximum term of imprisonment based on objective or subjective victim impact in arriving at the final sentence as the 3rd and final step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph C. This paragraph may not be construed to restrict a court in setting a sentence from considering the age of the victim in other circumstances when relevant.

B. In imposing a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment for an individual convicted of aggravated attempted murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, elevated aggravated assault or aggravated assault of a woman who the convicted individual knew or had reasonable cause to believe to be in fact pregnant at the time the crime was committed, the court shall assign special weight to this fact in determining the basic term of imprisonment as the first step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph A. The court shall assign special weight to any subjective victim impact in determining the maximum term of incarceration in the 2nd step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph B. The court may not suspend that portion of the maximum term of imprisonment based on objective or subjective victim impact in arriving at the final sentence as the 3rd and final step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph C. This paragraph may not be construed to restrict a court in setting a sentence from considering the fact that the victim was pregnant in other circumstances when relevant.

C. In imposing a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment for an individual convicted of a Class C or higher crime, the victim of which was at the time of the commission of the crime in fact being stalked by that individual, the court shall assign special weight to this objective fact in determining the basic sentence in the first step of the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph A. The court shall assign special weight to any subjective victim impact caused by the stalking in determining the maximum term of incarceration in the 2nd step in the sentencing process specified in section 1602, subsection 1, paragraph B.

Chapter 75. Victims' Rights

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 2102. Victims to be notified

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Information provided to victim. The attorney for the State shall make a good faith effort to inform each victim of the following:

A. The details of a plea agreement, including a deferred disposition, before it is submitted to the court;

B. The right to comment on a plea agreement, including a deferred disposition, pursuant to section 2103;

C. The proposed dismissal or filing of an indictment, information or complaint pursuant to the Maine Rules of Unified Criminal Procedure, Rule 48, before that action is taken;

D. The time and place of the trial;

E. The time and place of sentencing;

F. The right to participate at sentencing pursuant to section 2104;

F-1. The termination of probation pursuant to section 1804, subsection 6;

F-2. The final disposition of the charges against the defendant, including the amount of deductions to time served that a defendant has accumulated as of the date of sentencing. On or before the date of sentencing, the attorney for the State shall obtain information about the deductions to time served from each correctional facility at which a defendant was detained prior to sentencing on the relevant charges; and

G. The right to comment on the proposed early termination of probation, early termination of administrative release or conversion of probation to administrative release, pursuant to section 2105.

2. Pamphlets. When providing notice under subsection 1, the attorney for the State shall offer to provide the victim with a pamphlet containing this chapter, Title 5, chapter 316-A and Title 15, sections 812 and 6101. In addition, the attorney for the State, as part of any victim and witness support program that attorney administers under Title 30-A, section 460, shall provide the victim with a pamphlet outlining in everyday language the provisions set out in this chapter, Title 5, chapter 316-A and Title 15, sections 812 and 6101. The attorney for the State may use the pamphlet printed and distributed by the Department of Corrections or another pamphlet that meets the criteria in this section.

§ 2103. Plea agreement procedure

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

When a plea agreement is submitted to the court pursuant to the Maine Rules of Unified Criminal Procedure, Rule 11A(b), the attorney for the State shall disclose to the court any and all attempts made to notify each victim of the plea agreement and any objection to the plea agreement by a victim. A victim who is present in court at the submission of the plea may address the court at that time.

Title 19-A. Domestic Relations

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Part 2. Married persons

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 29. Divorce

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Subchapter 1. Grounds and Procedures

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 901. Action for divorce; procedures

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Filing of complaint; grounds. A person seeking a divorce may file a complaint for divorce in the District Court if:
A. The plaintiff has resided in good faith in this State for 6 months prior to the commencement of the action;
B. The plaintiff is a resident of this State and the parties were married in this State;
C. The plaintiff is a resident of this State and the parties resided in this State when the cause of divorce accrued; or
D. The defendant is a resident of this State.
The complaint must state one or more grounds listed in section 902, subsection 1.
2. Guardian ad litem. If the alleged cause is that one of the parties is an incapacitated person, as provided in section 902, subsection 1, paragraph J, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the incapacitated person.
3. Exclusion of public. In a divorce action, at the request of either party, personally or through that party’s attorney, unless the other party who has entered an appearance objects personally or through that other party’s attorney, the court shall exclude the public from the court proceedings.
If the court orders that the public is to be excluded, only the parties, their attorneys, court officers and witnesses may be present.
4. Corroborating witness not required. When the merits of a divorce action are not contested, whether or not an answer has been filed, there is no requirement that the testimony of the complaining party be corroborated by witnesses.
5. Fraud. The court may not grant a divorce when the parties seek to procure a divorce for fraudulent purposes.
6. Attorney’s fees and costs. Attorney’s fees awarded in the nature of support may be made payable immediately or in installments.

§ 902. Grounds; defenses

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Grounds. A divorce may be granted for one of the following causes:

A. Adultery;

B. Impotence;

C. Extreme cruelty;

D. Utter desertion continued for 3 consecutive years prior to the commencement of the action;

E. Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication from the use of liquor or drugs;

F. Nonsupport, when one spouse has sufficient ability to provide for the other spouse and grossly, wantonly or cruelly refuses or neglects to provide suitable maintenance for the complaining spouse;

G. Cruel and abusive treatment;

H. Irreconcilable marital differences; or

I. Repealed. Laws 2005, c. 594, § 2.

J. A court has appointed for one of the parties a guardian with full powers under Title 18-C, section 5-301, other than an emergency guardian appointed pursuant to Title 18-C, section 5-312.

2. Irreconcilable differences; counseling. If one party alleges that there are irreconcilable marital differences and the opposing party denies that allegation, the court upon its own motion or upon motion of either party may continue the case and require both parties to receive counseling by a qualified professional counselor to be selected either by agreement of the parties or by the court. The counselor shall give a written report of the counseling to the court and to both parties. The failure or refusal of the party who denies irreconcilable marital differences to submit to counseling without good reason is prima facie evidence that the marital differences are irreconcilable.

3. Recrimination. Recrimination is a comparative rather than an absolute defense in a divorce action.

4. Condonation. Condonation of the parties is not an absolute defense to any action for divorce but is discretionary with the court.

Subchapter 2. Spousal support and property rights

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 951-A. Spousal support

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Statement by court. An order granting, denying or modifying spousal support must state:

A. The type or types of support, if support is awarded;

B. The method or methods of payment, and the term and limitations imposed, if support is awarded;

C. If the support awarded is not, in whole or in part, subject to future modification; and

D. The factors relied upon by the court in arriving at its decision to award or deny spousal support, if the proceeding was contested.

2. Types of spousal support. The court may, after consideration of all factors set forth in subsection 5, award or modify spousal support for one or more of the following reasons.

A. General support may be awarded to provide financial assistance to a spouse with substantially less income potential than the other spouse so that both spouses can maintain a reasonable standard of living after the divorce.

(1) There is a rebuttable presumption that general support may not be awarded if the parties were married for less than 10 years as of the date of the filing of the action for divorce. There is also a rebuttable presumption that general support may not be awarded for a term exceeding ½ the length of the marriage if the parties were married for at least 10 years but not more than 20 years as of the date of the filing of the action for divorce.

(2) If the court finds that a spousal support award based upon a presumption established by this paragraph would be inequitable or unjust, that finding is sufficient to rebut the applicable presumption.

B. Transitional support may be awarded to provide for a spouse’s transitional needs, including, but not limited to:

(1) Short-term needs resulting from financial dislocations associated with the dissolution of the marriage; or

(2) Reentry or advancement in the work force, including, but not limited to, physical or emotional rehabilitation services, vocational training and education.

C. Reimbursement support may be awarded to achieve an equitable result in the overall dissolution of the parties’ financial relationship in response to exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(1) Economic misconduct by a spouse;

(2) Substantial contributions a spouse made towards the educational or occupational advancement of the other spouse during the marriage; and

(3) Economic abuse by a spouse. For the purposes of this subparagraph, “economic abuse” has the same meaning as in section 4002, subsection 3-B.

Reimbursement support may be awarded only if the court determines that the parties’ financial circumstances do not permit the court to fully address equitable considerations through its distributive order pursuant to section 953.

D. Nominal support may be awarded to preserve the court’s authority to grant spousal support in the future.

E. Interim support may be awarded to provide for a spouse’s separate support during the pendency of an action for divorce or judicial separation.

3. Methods of payment; term and limitations. The order must state the method or methods of payment that the court determines just, including, but not limited to, lump-sum and installment payments. The order must also state the term of and any limitations on the award that the court determines just, including, but not limited to:

A. A limit on any increases or decreases in the amount of support;

B. A limit on any increases or decreases in the term of support;

C. A limit on the method or methods of payment of support;

D. A limit on the payment of support related to the remarriage of the payee; and

E. A limit on the payment of support related to cohabitation by the payee.

4. Modification. An award of spousal support issued before October 1, 2013 is subject to modification when it appears that justice requires unless and to the extent the order awarding or modifying spousal support expressly states that the award, in whole or in part, is not subject to future modification. An award of spousal support issued on or after October 1, 2013 is subject to modification when there is a substantial change in financial circumstances and it appears that justice requires.

5. Factors. The court shall consider the following factors when determining an award of spousal support:

A. The length of the marriage;

B. The ability of each party to pay;

C. The age of each party;

D. The employment history and employment potential of each party;

E. The income history and income potential of each party;

F. The education and training of each party;

G. The provisions for retirement and health insurance benefits of each party;

H. The tax consequences of the division of marital property, including the tax consequences of the sale of the marital home, if applicable;

I. The health and disabilities of each party;

J. The tax consequences of a spousal support award;

K. The contributions of either party as homemaker;

L. The contributions of either party to the education or earning potential of the other party;

M. Economic misconduct by either party resulting in the diminution of marital property or income;

M-1. Economic abuse by a spouse. For the purposes of this paragraph, “economic abuse” has the same meaning as in section 4002, subsection 3-B;

N. The standard of living of the parties during the marriage;

O. The ability of the party seeking support to become self-supporting within a reasonable period of time;

P. The effect of the following on a party’s need for spousal support or a party’s ability to pay spousal support:

(1) Actual or potential income from marital or nonmarital property awarded or set apart to each party as part of the court’s distributive order pursuant to section 953; and

(2) Child support for the support of a minor child or children of the marriage pursuant to chapter 63; and

Q. Any other factors the court considers appropriate.

6. Enforcement. The court may use all necessary legal provisions to enforce its decrees.

7. Real estate and other property; life insurance and other security. The court may order part of the obligated party’s real estate or other property, as well as the rents, profits or income from real estate or other property, to be assigned and set out to the other party for life or for such other period determined to be just. The court may also order the obligated party to maintain life insurance or to otherwise provide security for the payment of spousal support in the event the obligation may survive the obligated party’s death.

8. Cessation upon death of payee or payor. An order awarding, denying or modifying spousal support may provide that the award survives the death of the payee or payor, or both. Unless otherwise stated in the order awarding spousal support, the obligation to make any payment pursuant to this section ceases upon the death of either the payee or the payor with respect to any payment not yet due and owing as of the date of death.

9. Effect of no award or termination of spousal support. A final judgment that does not award spousal support forever precludes such an award in that action. The complete termination of a spousal support award pursuant to the terms of the award or a final post-judgment order forever precludes the reinstatement of spousal support in that action.

10. Application. This section applies to:

A. Orders granting or denying spousal support entered on or after September 1, 2000; and

B. The modification, termination and enforcement of orders granting spousal support entered on or after September 1, 2000.

11. Support while pending. The trial court may make, modify or enforce an award of spousal support under this section while an action is pending, including while on appeal.

12. Repealed. Laws 2019, c. 272, § 2, eff. Sept. 19, 2019.

Part 3. Parents and Children

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 51. General Provisions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 1501. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this Part, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Allocated parental rights and responsibilities. “Allocated parental rights and responsibilities” means that responsibilities for the various aspects of a child’s welfare are divided between the parents, with the parent allocated a particular responsibility having the right to control that aspect of the child’s welfare. Responsibilities may be divided exclusively or proportionately. Aspects of a child’s welfare for which responsibility may be divided include primary physical residence, parent-child contact, support, education, medical and dental care, religious upbringing, travel boundaries and expenses and any other aspect of parental rights and responsibilities. A parent allocated responsibility for a certain aspect of a child’s welfare may be required to inform the other parent of major changes in that aspect.

2. Child support. “Child support” means money paid directly to a parent, to another person or agency awarded parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a child or to the department on behalf of a child receiving public assistance and medical or dental insurance coverage provided on behalf of a child pursuant to court order.

3. Domestic abuse. “Domestic abuse” means abuse as defined in section 4002.

4. Repealed. Laws 2009, c. 290, § 1.

4-A. Medical support. “Medical support” means an amount ordered to be paid toward the cost of health insurance provided by a public entity or by another parent through employment or otherwise or for other medical costs not covered by insurance.

4-B. Private health insurance. “Private health insurance” means fee-for-service, health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization and other types of coverage available to either parent under which medical services could be provided to a child. “Private health insurance” does not include insurance that provides coverage only for accidental injury, specified disease, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, disability income, long-term care or other limited benefit health insurance policies and contracts.

4-C. Reasonable cost. “Reasonable cost” means the cost of private health insurance to the parent responsible for providing medical support that does not exceed amounts adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services in a rule implementing a cost-reasonableness standard. “Cost of private health insurance” means the cost of adding the child to existing coverage or the difference between self-only and family coverage, unless that cost is determined to be unjust by a court or the Department of Health and Human Services.

5. Shared parental rights and responsibilities. “Shared parental rights and responsibilities” means that most or all aspects of a child’s welfare remain the joint responsibility and right of both parents, so that both parents retain equal parental rights and responsibilities, and both parents confer and make joint decisions regarding the child’s welfare. Matters pertaining to the child’s welfare include, but are not limited to, education, religious upbringing, medical, dental and mental health care, travel arrangements, child care arrangements and residence. Parents who share parental rights and responsibilities shall keep one another informed of any major changes affecting the child’s welfare and shall consult in advance to the extent practicable on decisions related to the child’s welfare.

6. Sole parental rights and responsibilities. “Sole parental rights and responsibilities” means that one parent is granted exclusive parental rights and responsibilities with respect to all aspects of a child’s welfare, with the possible exception of the right and responsibility for support.

Chapter 55. Rights and Responsibilities

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 1653. Parental rights and responsibilities

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Legislative findings and purpose. The Legislature makes the following findings concerning relationships among family members in determining what is in the best interest of children.

A. The Legislature finds and declares as public policy that encouraging mediated resolutions of disputes between parents is in the best interest of minor children.

B. The Legislature finds that domestic abuse is a serious crime against the individual and society, producing an unhealthy and dangerous family environment, resulting in a pattern of escalating abuse, including violence, that frequently culminates in intrafamily homicide and creating an atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development.

C. The Legislature finds and declares that, except when a court determines that the best interest of a child would not be served, it is the public policy of this State to assure minor children of frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing in order to effect this policy.

2. Parental rights and responsibilities; order. This subsection governs parental rights and responsibilities and court orders for parental rights and responsibilities.

A. When the parents have agreed to an award of shared parental rights and responsibilities or so agree in open court, the court shall make that award unless there is substantial evidence that it should not be ordered. The court shall state in its decision the reasons for not ordering a shared parental rights and responsibilities award agreed to by the parents.

B. The court may award reasonable rights of contact with a minor child to a 3rd person.

C. The court may award parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child to a 3rd person, a suitable society or institution for the care and protection of children or the department, upon a finding that awarding parental rights and responsibilities to either or both parents will place the child in jeopardy as defined in Title 22, section 4002, subsection 6.

D. The order of the court awarding parental rights and responsibilities must include the following:

(1) Allocated parental rights and responsibilities, shared parental rights and responsibilities or sole parental rights and responsibilities, according to the best interest of the child as provided in subsection 3. An award of shared parental rights and responsibilities may include either an allocation of the child’s primary residential care to one parent and rights of parent-child contact to the other parent, or a sharing of the child’s primary residential care by both parents. If either or both parents request an award of shared primary residential care and the court does not award shared primary residential care of the child, the court shall state in its decision the reasons why shared primary residential care is not in the best interest of the child;

(2) Conditions of parent-child contact in cases involving domestic abuse as provided in subsection 6;

(3) A provision for child support as provided in subsection 8 or a statement of the reasons for not ordering child support;

(4) A statement that each parent must have access to records and information pertaining to a minor child, including, but not limited to, medical, dental and school records and other information on school activities, whether or not the child resides with the parent, unless that access is found not to be in the best interest of the child or that access is found to be sought for the purpose of causing detriment to the other parent. If that access is not ordered, the court shall state in the order its reasons for denying that access;

(5) A statement that violation of the order may result in a finding of contempt and imposition of sanctions as provided in subsection 7; and

(6) A statement of the definition of shared parental rights and responsibilities contained in section 1501, subsection 5, if the order of the court awards shared parental rights and responsibilities.

 

An order modifying a previous order is not required to include provisions of the previous order that are not modified.

E. The order of the court may not include a requirement that the State pay for the defendant to attend a domestic violence intervention program unless the program is certified under section 4014.

F. The court may order that a minor’s name be changed pursuant to Title 18-C, section 1-701.

3. Best interest of child. The court, in making an award of parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a child, shall apply the standard of the best interest of the child. In making decisions regarding the child’s residence and parent-child contact, the court shall consider as primary the safety and well-being of the child. In applying this standard, the court shall consider the following factors:

A. The age of the child;

B. The relationship of the child with the child’s parents and any other persons who may significantly affect the child’s welfare;

C. The preference of the child, if old enough to express a meaningful preference;

D. The duration and adequacy of the child’s current living arrangements and the desirability of maintaining continuity;

E. The stability of any proposed living arrangements for the child;

F. The motivation of the parties involved and their capacities to give the child love, affection and guidance;

G. The child’s adjustment to the child’s present home, school and community;

H. The capacity of each parent to allow and encourage frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other parent, including physical access;

I. The capacity of each parent to cooperate or to learn to cooperate in child care;

J. Methods for assisting parental cooperation and resolving disputes and each parent’s willingness to use those methods;

K. The effect on the child if one parent has sole authority over the child’s upbringing;

L. The existence of domestic abuse between the parents, in the past or currently, and how that abuse affects:

(1) The child emotionally;

(2) The safety of the child; and

(3) The other factors listed in this subsection, which must be considered in light of the presence of past or current domestic abuse;

M. The existence of any history of child abuse by a parent;

N. All other factors having a reasonable bearing on the physical and psychological well-being of the child;

O. A parent’s prior willful misuse of the protection from abuse process in former chapter 101 or chapter 1031 in order to gain tactical advantage in a proceeding involving the determination of parental rights and responsibilities of a minor child. Such willful misuse may be considered only if established by clear and convincing evidence and if it is further found by clear and convincing evidence that, in the particular circumstances of the parents and child, that willful misuse tends to show that the acting parent will in the future have a lessened ability and willingness to cooperate and work with the other parent in their shared responsibilities for the child. The court shall articulate findings of fact whenever relying upon this factor as part of its determination of a child’s best interest. The voluntary dismissal of a protection from abuse petition may not, taken alone, be treated as evidence of the willful misuse of the protection from abuse process;

P. If the child is under one year of age, whether the child is being breast-fed;

Q. The existence of a parent’s conviction for a sex offense or a sexually violent offense as those terms are defined in Title 34-A, section 11203;

R. If there is a person residing with a parent, whether that person:

(1) Has been convicted of a crime under Title 17-A, chapter 11 or 122 or a comparable crime in another jurisdiction;

(2) Has been adjudicated of a juvenile offense that, if the person had been an adult at the time of the offense, would have been a violation of Title 17-A, chapter 11 or 12; or

(3) Has been adjudicated in a proceeding, in which the person was a party, under Title 22, chapter 10713 as having committed a sexual offense; and

S. Whether allocation of some or all parental rights and responsibilities would best support the child’s safety and well-being.

4. Equal consideration of parents. The court may not apply a preference for one parent over the other in determining parental rights and responsibilities because of the parent’s gender or the child’s age or gender.

5. Departure from family residence. The court may not consider departure from the family residence as a factor in determining parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a minor child when the departing parent has been physically harmed or seriously threatened with physical harm by the other parent and that harm or threat of harm was causally related to the departure, or when one parent has left the family residence by mutual agreement or at the request or insistence of the other parent.

5-A. Effect of protective order. Although the court shall consider the fact that a protective order was issued under former chapter 101 or chapter 103, the court shall determine the proper award of parental rights and responsibilities and award of rights of contact de novo and may not use as precedent the award of parental rights and responsibilities and rights of contact included in the protective order.

6. Conditions of parent-child contact in cases involving domestic abuse. The court shall establish conditions of parent-child contact in cases involving domestic abuse as follows.

A. A court may award primary residence of a minor child or parent-child contact with a minor child to a parent who has committed domestic abuse only if the court finds that contact between the parent and child is in the best interest of the child and that adequate provision for the safety of the child and the parent who is a victim of domestic abuse can be made.

B. In an order of parental rights and responsibilities, a court may:

(1) Order an exchange of a child to occur in a protected setting;

(2) Order contact to be supervised by another person or agency;

(3) Order the parent who has committed domestic abuse to attend and complete to the satisfaction of the court a domestic abuse intervention program or other designated counseling as a condition of the contact;

(4) Order either parent to abstain from possession or consumption of alcohol or controlled substances, or both, during the visitation and for 24 hours preceding the contact;

(5) Order the parent who has committed domestic abuse to pay a fee to defray the costs of supervised contact;

(6) Prohibit overnight parent-child contact; and

(7) Impose any other condition that is determined necessary to provide for the safety of the child, the victim of domestic abuse or any other family or household member.

C. The court may require security from the parent who has committed domestic abuse for the return and safety of the child.

D. The court may order the address of the child and the victim to be kept confidential.

E. The court may not order a victim of domestic abuse to attend counseling with the parent who has committed domestic abuse.

F. If a court allows a family or household member to supervise parent-child contact, the court shall establish conditions to be followed during that contact. Conditions include but are not limited to:

(1) Minimizing circumstances when the family of the parent who has committed domestic abuse would be supervising visits;

(2) Ensuring that contact does not damage the relationship with the parent with whom the child has primary physical residence;

(3) Ensuring the safety and well-being of the child; and

(4) Requiring that supervision is provided by a person who is physically and mentally capable of supervising a visit and who does not have a criminal history or history of abuse or neglect.

G. Fees set forth in this subsection incurred by the parent who has committed domestic abuse may not be considered as a mitigating factor reducing that parent’s child support obligation.

H. In cases involving past or current allegations of domestic abuse between the parents, if the court orders an assessment or evaluation that will include providing court recommendations regarding the award of parental rights and responsibilities or conditions of parent-child contact that are in the best interest of the child from a person other than a guardian ad litem appointed under Title 4, section 1554, subsection 1, the court may appoint only a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist who has training and demonstrated expertise on at least the following topics:

(1) The domestic abuse tactics affecting adult and child safety after separation of the parents;

(2) The effects of domestic abuse and violence on children and conditions that support resilience;

(3) Best practices for recognizing, asking about and assessing the effects of domestic abuse on the parent-child relationship; and

(4) Methods for reducing post-separation abuse of the nonabusing parent and promoting child safety and security.

6-A. Custody and contact limited; convictions for sexual offenses. The award of primary residence and parent-child contact with a person who has been convicted of a child-related sexual offense is governed by this subsection.

A. For the purposes of this section, “child-related sexual offense” means the following sexual offenses if, at the time of the commission of the offense, the victim was under 18 years of age or the victim was a student enrolled in a private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility or institution and the person was a teacher, employee or other official having instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student or the person was a substitute teacher who had instructional, supervisory or disciplinary authority over the student at any time during the 12 months prior to the time of the commission of the offense:

(1) Sexual exploitation of a minor, under Title 17-A, section 282;

(2) Gross sexual assault, under Title 17-A, section 253;

(3) Sexual abuse of a minor, under Title 17-A, section 254;

(4) Unlawful sexual contact, under Title 17-A, section 255-A or former section 255;

(5) Visual sexual aggression against a child, under Title 17-A, section 256;

(6) Sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of age, under Title 17-A, section 258;

(6-A) Solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act, under Title 17-A, section 259-A; or

(7) An offense in another jurisdiction that involves conduct that is substantially similar to that contained in subparagraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (6-A). For purposes of this subparagraph, “another jurisdiction” means the Federal Government, the United States military, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and each of the several states except Maine. “Another jurisdiction” also means the Passamaquoddy Tribe when that tribe has acted pursuant to Title 30, section 6209-A, subsection 1, paragraph A or B and the Penobscot Nation when that tribe has acted pursuant to Title 30, section 6209-B, subsection 1, paragraph A or B.

B. A court may award primary residence of a minor child or parent-child contact with a minor child to a parent who has been convicted of a child-related sexual offense only if the court finds that contact between the parent and child is in the best interest of the child and that adequate provision for the safety of the child can be made.

C. In an order of parental rights and responsibilities, a court may require that parent-child contact between a minor child and a person convicted of a child-related sexual offense may occur only if there is another person or agency present to supervise the contact. If the court allows a family or household member to supervise parent-child contact, the court shall establish conditions to be followed during that contact. Conditions include, but are not limited to, those that:

(1) Minimize circumstances when the family of the parent who is a sex offender or sexually violent predator would be supervising visits;

(2) Ensure that contact does not damage the relationship with the parent with whom the child has primary physical residence;

(3) Ensure the safety and well-being of the child; and

(4) Require that supervision be provided by a person who is physically and mentally capable of supervising a visit and who does not have a criminal history or history of abuse or neglect.

6-B. Conviction or adjudication for certain sex offenses; presumption. There is a rebuttable presumption that the petitioner would create a situation of jeopardy for the child if any contact were to be permitted and that any contact is not in the best interests of the child if the court finds that the person seeking primary residence or contact with the child:

A. Has been convicted of an offense listed in subsection 6-A, paragraph A in which the victim was a minor at the time of the offense and the person was at least 5 years older than the minor at the time of the offense except that, if the offense was gross sexual assault under Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B or C, or an offense in another jurisdiction that involves conduct that is substantially similar to that contained in Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B or C, and the minor victim submitted as a result of compulsion, the presumption applies regardless of the ages of the person and the minor victim at the time of the offense; or

B. Has been adjudicated in an action under Title 22, chapter 1071 of sexually abusing a person who was a minor at the time of the abuse.

 

The person seeking primary residence or contact with the child may present evidence to rebut the presumption.

6-C. Forensic risk assessment. Upon motion from either party or upon the court’s own motion, the court may order a parent to complete a forensic risk assessment performed by a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist qualified to conduct psychosexual evaluations.

A. In determining whether to order a forensic risk assessment, the court may consider:

(1) The existence of any court findings, including but not limited to a criminal conviction, that the parent has committed a child-related sexual offense as defined in subsection 6-A, paragraph A or dissemination of sexually explicit material or possession of sexually explicit material as described in Title 17-A, chapter 12;

(2) The existence of substantiated findings of abuse or neglect under Title 22, section 4004, subsection 2, paragraph C-1, or an equivalent finding from another state, against the parent involving a child-related sexual offense as defined in subsection 6-A, paragraph A or dissemination of sexually explicit material or possession of sexually explicit material as described in Title 17-A, chapter 12;

(3) Whether a guardian ad litem appointed to the case recommends the assessment; and

(4) Any other factor the court considers relevant.

B. The court may order that the person performing the forensic risk assessment may interview the parent who is the subject of the order and any other parent of the child and have access to court documents, records of any interview with the child and other relevant documents.

C. The court shall order that the parent ordered to complete the forensic risk assessment is responsible for any fees associated with the assessment unless another parent agrees to pay part or all of the fees.

D. If the parent ordered to complete the forensic risk assessment has completed an assessment in the past year, the court may order the parent to release that assessment to the court, the guardian ad litem or another party and may order the parent to complete a new assessment only if the court determines a new assessment is necessary.

6-D. Considerations for cases in which a child is conceived as a result of sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom. The court shall establish conditions of parent-child contact in cases in which a child was conceived as a result of sexual assault as described in Title 17-A, chapter 11 or as a result of nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom as described in Title 14, section 8305, subsection 2 as follows.

A. In evaluating parental rights and responsibilities, the court shall evaluate the specific facts of the case to assess:

(1) Whether the sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom indicates that there may be safety concerns for the child;

(2) Whether it would be in the best interest of the child for the parent who committed sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom to receive any specific counseling or treatment; and

(3) Any effect contact between the parents would have on the parent who was a victim of sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom.

 

In response to this evaluation, the court shall order any conditions the court concludes are appropriate to meet the child’s best interest while minimizing the effect on the parent who experienced the sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom. The court may order specific conditions, including but not limited to limiting the contact between the parents or limiting or putting specific conditions on parent-child contact, including supervision.

B. The court may not order a victim of sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom to attend counseling with the parent who has committed sexual assault or nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a condom.

7. Violation of order concerning parental rights and responsibilities and contact. Either parent may petition the court for a hearing on the issue of noncompliance with the order issued under subsection 2. If the court finds that a parent has violated a part of the order, the court may find that parent in contempt and may:

A. Require additional or more specific terms and conditions consistent with the order;

B. Order that additional visitation be provided for a parent to take the place of visitation that was wrongfully denied; or

C. Order a parent found in contempt to pay a forfeiture of at least $100.

8. Child support order. The court may order conditions of child support as follows.

A. Either parent of a minor child shall contribute reasonable and just sums as child support payable weekly, biweekly, monthly or quarterly. In an action filed under section 1654, the court may require the child’s nonprimary care provider to pay past support. Availability of public welfare benefits to the family may not affect the decision of the court as to the responsibility of a parent to provide child support. The court shall inquire of the parties concerning the existence of a child support order entered pursuant to chapter 65, subchapter 2, article 3.4 If an order exists, the court shall consider its terms in establishing a child support obligation. A determination or modification of child support under this section and a determination of past support must comply with chapter 63.5

B. After January 1, 1990, if the court orders either parent to provide child support, the court order must require that the child support be provided beyond the child’s 18th birthday if the child is attending secondary school as defined in Title 20-A, section 1, until the child graduates, withdraws or is expelled from secondary school or attains the age of 19, whichever occurs first.

C. The court may require the payment of part or all of the medical expenses, hospital expenses and other health care expenses of the child. The court order must include a provision requiring at least one parent to obtain and maintain private health insurance for the child, if private health insurance for the child is available at reasonable cost. The court order must also require the parent providing insurance to furnish proof of coverage to the other parent within 15 days of receipt of a copy of the court order. If private health insurance for the child is not available at reasonable cost at the time of the hearing, the court order must include a provision requiring at least one parent to obtain and maintain private health insurance for the child that must be effective immediately upon private health insurance for the child being available at reasonable cost.

 

When the department provides support enforcement services, the support order must include a provision that requires the responsible parent to keep the department informed of changes in that parent’s current address, the name and address of that parent’s current employer and whether the responsible parent has access to reasonable cost health insurance coverage and, if so, the health insurance policy information and any subsequent changes.

9. Enforcement of child support order. The court may enforce a child support order as provided in chapter 65.6

10. Modification or termination. Upon the petition of one or both of the parents, an order for parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a minor child may be modified or terminated as circumstances require.

A. Modification and termination of child support orders are governed by section 2009.

B. Modification of and termination orders for parental rights and responsibilities other than child support are governed by section 1657.

11. Mediation. Prior to a contested hearing under this chapter relating to initial or modified orders, the court shall refer the parties to mediation as provided in chapter 3.7

12. Termination of order. A court order requiring the payment of child support remains in force as to each child until the order is altered by the court or until that child:

A. Attains 18 years of age. For orders issued after January 1, 1990, if the child attains 18 years of age while attending secondary school as defined in Title 20-A, section 1, the order remains in force until the child graduates, withdraws or is expelled from secondary school or attains 19 years of age, whichever occurs first;

B. Becomes married; or

C. Becomes a member of the armed services.

13. Repealed. Laws 2017, c. 30, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.

14. Notice of relocation. The order must require notice of the intended relocation of a child by a parent awarded shared parental rights and responsibilities or allocated parental rights and responsibilities. At least 30 days before the intended relocation of a child by a parent, the parent shall provide notice to the other parent of the intended relocation. If the relocation must occur in fewer than 30 days, the parent who is relocating shall provide notice as soon as possible to the other parent. If the parent who is relocating believes notifying the other parent will cause danger to the relocating parent or the child, the relocating parent shall notify the court of the intended relocation, and the court shall provide appropriate notice to the other parent in a manner determined to provide safety to the relocating parent and child.

§ 1657. Modification or termination of orders for parental rights and responsibilities

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Modification or termination. An order for parental rights and responsibilities may be modified or terminated as circumstances require:

A. Upon the petition of one or both of the parents; or

B. Upon the motion of an agency or person who has been granted parental rights and responsibilities or contact with a child under this chapter.

2. Change in circumstances. In reviewing a motion for modification or termination filed under chapter 59 [FN1] or section 1653 or 1655, the following constitute a substantial change in circumstances:

A. The relocation, or intended relocation, of a child resident in this state to another state by a parent, when the other parent is a resident of this State and there exists an award of shared or allocated parental rights and responsibilities concerning the child;

A-1. The relocation, or intended relocation, of a child that will disrupt the parent-child contact between the child and the parent who is not relocating, if there exists an award of shared or allocated parental rights and responsibilities concerning the child. Relocating the child more than 60 miles from the residence of the parent who is relocating or more than 60 miles from the residence of the parent who is not relocating is presumed to disrupt the parent-child contact between the child and the parent who is not relocating;

A-2. The receipt of notice of the intended relocation of the child as required under section 1653, subsection 14; or

B. A finding by the court that domestic or family violence has occurred since the last determination of primary residence.

3. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The jurisdiction granted by this section to make or alter an order concerning parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a minor child is limited by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, [FN2] if another state may have jurisdiction as provided in that Act.

§ 1658. Termination of parental rights and responsibilities

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Petitioner. A petition for termination of a parent’s parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a specific child may be filed by another parent or the parent or guardian of a child’s minor parent on any grounds set forth in subsection 3-A. A parent may not file a petition under this section to terminate the parent’s own parental rights and responsibilities.

1-A. Filing and contents of petition. A petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities must be filed in the District Court and in the same case as a prior adjudication of parental rights and responsibilities, if any. The petition must be sworn and must include at least the following:

A. The name and date and place of birth of the child;

B. The name and address of the petitioner and the nature of the petitioner’s relationship to the child;

C. The name of each of the child’s parents;

D. A summary statement of the alleged facts that the petitioner believes constitute grounds for termination under subsection 2;

E. A statement of the effects of a termination order; and

F. A statement that the parent whose rights and responsibilities are the subject of the petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities is entitled to legal counsel in the termination proceedings and that, if the parent wants an attorney and is unable to afford one, the parent should contact the court as soon as possible to request appointed counsel.

2. Grounds for petition. The following allegations, if proven, are sufficient grounds to terminate a parent’s parental rights and responsibilities under this section:

A. The parent was convicted of a crime involving sexual assault, as defined in Title 17-A, section 253, 254 or 556, or a comparable crime in another jurisdiction, that resulted in the conception of the child;

B. The child was conceived as a result of an act of sexual assault, as defined in Title 17-A, section 253, 254 or 556, or a comparable crime in another jurisdiction; or

C. A final order, other than in a protection from abuse matter under former chapter 101 or chapter 103, that has been in effect for at least 12 months grants the petitioner exclusive parental rights and responsibilities with respect to all aspects of the child’s welfare, with the exception of the right and responsibility for support, without reserving for the parent any rights to make decisions, to have access to records or to have contact with the child, and termination of the parent’s parental rights and responsibilities is necessary to protect the child from serious harm or the threat of serious harm.

2-A. Procedure on petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities. Once a petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities is filed, the following procedure applies.

A. The court shall appoint an attorney for a parent who is the subject of a petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities under this section and who is indigent. In a contested action, the court may also appoint counsel for any indigent petitioner who files a petition under this section when the parent who is the subject of the petition is represented by counsel.

B. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child if the petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities is brought under subsection 2, paragraph C. The appointment may be made at any time, but the court shall make every effort to make the appointment as soon as possible after the commencement of the proceeding.

C. The court may hold a status conference prior to scheduling a hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities.

D. The court may refer the parties to mediation prior to conducting a hearing on a petition to terminate parental rights and responsibilities.

E. A parent may consent to an order terminating the parent’s rights and responsibilities after a judge has fully explained the effects of the termination order and if such consent is written and voluntarily and knowingly executed in court. A parent’s consent to the order is not a sufficient basis to enter an order in the absence of the findings required in subsection 3-A and any other applicable provisions of this section.

F. The federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 United States Code, Section 1901 et seq. and the Maine Indian Child Welfare Act govern all proceedings under this section that pertain to an Indian child as defined in those Acts.

G. Proceedings and records under this section are not public unless the court orders otherwise. The Supreme Judicial Court may adopt rules governing requests for access to these proceedings and records.

3. Deleted. Laws 2021, c. 340 § 2, eff. Oct. 18, 2021.

3-A. Termination. The court:

A. Shall order termination of the parent’s parental rights and responsibilities if the court finds based on a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner has proven the allegations in subsection 2, paragraph A unless the court determines that the exception in subsection 4 applies; or

B. May order termination of the parent’s parental rights and responsibilities if the court finds based on clear and convincing evidence:

(1) That the petitioner has proven the allegations in subsection 2, paragraph B; or

(2) That the petitioner has proven the allegations in subsection 2, paragraph C and, if so, that the termination is also in the best interest of the child. Evidence that termination is necessary to protect the child from harm or threat of serious harm may include, but is not limited to, proof of:

(a) The parent’s conduct demonstrating an intent to permanently forgo all parental duties or relinquish parental claims regarding the child when that conduct results in harm or threat of harm to the child; or

(b) The parent’s acts of abuse, as defined in section 4002, subsection 1, upon the petitioner or a minor child in the parent’s or petitioner’s household.

 

Except as provided in this section or in Title 18-C, section 9-204, a court may not terminate the parental rights and responsibilities of a parent on a petition filed by another parent or the parent or guardian of a child’s minor parent.

4. Exception. The court is not required to terminate the parental rights and responsibilities of a parent convicted of gross sexual assault under Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B that resulted in the conception of the child if:

A. The parent or guardian of the other parent filed the petition;

B. The other parent informs the court that the sexual act was consensual; and

C. The other parent opposes the termination of the parental rights and responsibilities of the parent convicted of the gross sexual assault.

5. Effects of termination order. An order terminating parental rights and responsibilities under this section has the effects set forth in Title 22, section 4056.

Chapter 58. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 1732. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Abandoned. “Abandoned” means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision.

2. Child. “Child” means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.

3. Child custody determination. “Child custody determination” means a judgment, decree or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial and modification order. The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.

4. Child custody proceeding. “Child custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation or enforcement under subchapter III. [FN1]

5. Commencement. “Commencement” means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.

6. Court. “Court” means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce or modify a child custody determination.

7. Home state. “Home state” means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than 6 months of age, the term means the state in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.

8. Initial determination. “Initial determination” means the first child custody determination concerning a particular child.

9. Issuing court. “Issuing court” means the court that makes a child custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this chapter.

10. Issuing state. “Issuing state” means the state in which a child custody determination is made.

11. Modification. “Modification” means a child custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the previous determination.

12. Person. “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.

13. Person acting as a parent. “Person acting as a parent” means a person, other than a parent, who:

A. Has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of 6 consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one year immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding; and

B. Has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the law of this State.

14. Physical custody. “Physical custody” means the physical care and supervision of a child.

15. State. “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

16. Tribe. “Tribe” means an Indian tribe or band or an Alaskan Native village recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.

17. Warrant. “Warrant” means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.

Chapter 59. Visitation Rights of Grandparents

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 1802. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Grandparent. “Grandparent” is a parent of a child’s parent or the parent of the parent of a child’s parent. “Grandparent” includes a parent of a child’s parent whose parental rights have been terminated pursuant to Title 18-C, section 9-204 or Title 22, chapter 1071, subchapter 6,1 but only until the child’s adoption.

2. Sufficient existing relationship. “Sufficient existing relationship” means a relationship involving extraordinary contact between a grandparent and a child, including but not limited to circumstances in which the grandparent has been a primary caregiver and custodian of the child for a significant period of time.

§ 1803. Petition

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Standing to seek grandparent visitation rights. A grandparent of a minor child has standing to initiate and maintain an action for reasonable rights of visitation or access if:

A. Deleted. Laws 2017, c. 328, § 2, eff. Aug. 1, 2018.

B. There is a sufficient existing relationship between the grandparent and the child; or

C. Deleted. Laws 2017, c. 328, § 2, eff. Aug. 1, 2018.

D. Any other compelling state interest justifies the court’s interference with the parent’s fundamental right to deny the grandparent access to the child.

2. Procedure. The following procedures apply to petitions for rights of visitation or access under subsection 1.

A. A grandparent seeking rights of visitation or access shall file with the initial pleadings an affidavit alleging under oath sufficient facts to support the grandparent’s standing under subsection 1. The pleadings and affidavit must be served upon all parents and legal guardians of the child.

B. A parent or legal guardian of the child who files a pleading in response to the pleadings in paragraph A shall also file an affidavit in response, serving all parties to the proceeding with a copy.

C. The court shall determine on the basis of the pleadings and affidavits under paragraphs A and B whether the grandparent has presented prima facie evidence of standing under subsection 1. The court may in its sole discretion, if necessary and on an expedited basis, hold a hearing to determine disputed facts that are necessary and material to the issue of standing.

D. If the court’s determination under paragraph C is in the affirmative, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem as provided in section 1507. The court shall hold a hearing on the grandparent’s petition for reasonable rights of visitation or access and shall consider any objections the parents or legal guardians may have concerning the award of rights of visitation or access to the grandparent. If the court has appointed a guardian ad litem, the court shall also consider the report of the guardian ad litem. The standard for the award of reasonable rights of visitation or access is provided in subsection 3.

3. Best interest of the child. The court may grant a grandparent reasonable rights of visitation or access to a minor child upon finding that the grandparent has standing under subsection 1 and that granting the grandparent reasonable rights of visitation or access is in the best interest of the child and would not significantly interfere with any parent-child relationship or with the parent’s rightful authority over the child. In deciding whether granting the grandparent reasonable rights of visitation or access is in the best interest of the child and whether it would significantly interfere with the parent-child relationship or with the parent’s rightful authority over the child, the court shall consider the following factors:

A. The age of the child;

B. The relationship of the child with the child’s grandparents, including the amount of previous contact;

B-1. Whether one or more of the child’s parents or legal guardians has died;

C. The preference of the child, if old enough to express a meaningful preference;

D. The duration and adequacy of the child’s current living arrangements and the desirability of maintaining continuity;

E. The stability of any proposed living arrangements for the child;

F. The motivation of the parties involved and their capacities to give the child love, affection and guidance;

G. The child’s adjustment to the child’s present home, school and community;

H. The capacity of the parent and grandparent to cooperate or to learn to cooperate in child care;

I. Methods of assisting cooperation and resolving disputes and each person’s willingness to use those methods;

J. Any other factor having a reasonable bearing on the physical and psychological well-being of the child; and

K. The existence of a grandparent’s conviction for a sex offense or a sexually violent offense as those terms are defined in Title 34-A, section 11203.

4. Modification or termination. The court may modify or terminate any rights granted under this section as circumstances require. Modification or termination of rights must be consistent with this section.

5. Enforcement. The court may issue any orders necessary to enforce orders issued under this section or to protect the rights of parties.

6. Repealed. Laws 2005, c. 323, § 13.

7. Supervision required; convictions for sexual offenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the court may award a grandparent who is convicted of a child-related sexual offense visitation with a minor grandchild only if the court finds that contact between the grandparent and the child is in the best interest of the child and that adequate provision for the safety of the child can be made. For purposes of this section, “child-related sexual offense” has the same meaning as in section 1653, subsection 6-A.

The court may require that visitation may occur only if there is another person or agency present to supervise visitation. If the court allows a family or household member to supervise grandparent-child contact, the court shall establish conditions to be followed during that contact. Conditions include, but are not limited to, those that:

A. Minimize circumstances when the family of the grandparent who is a sex offender or sexually violent predator would be supervising visits;

B. Ensure the safety and well-being of the child; and

C. Require that supervision be provided by a person who is physically and mentally capable of supervising a visit and who does not have a criminal history or history of abuse or neglect.

8. Conviction or adjudication for certain sex offenses; presumption. There is a rebuttable presumption that the grandparent would create a situation of jeopardy for the child if any contact were to be permitted and that contact is not in the best interest of the child if the court finds that the grandparent:

A. Has been convicted of an offense listed in section 1653, subsection 6-A, paragraph A in which the victim was a minor at the time of the offense and the grandparent was at least 5 years older than the minor at the time of the offense except that, if the offense was gross sexual assault under Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B or C, or an offense in another jurisdiction that involves conduct that is substantially similar to that contained in Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B or C, and the minor victim submitted as a result of compulsion, the presumption applies regardless of the ages of the grandparent and the minor victim at the time of the offense; or

B. Has been adjudicated in an action under Title 22, chapter 1071 of sexually abusing a person who was a minor at the time of the abuse.

The grandparent seeking contact with the child may present evidence to rebut the presumption.

Chapter 63. Child Support Guidelines

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 2001. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Basic support entitlement. “Basic support entitlement” means the sum derived from the child support table appropriate for each child and the parties’ gross income.

2. Child care costs. “Child care costs” means the actual child care costs incurred by the parties for each child for whom support is being established that are related to that party’s employment, education or training and are reasonable or customary in the area in which that party resides.

3. Child support table. “Child support table” means the schedule that has been adopted by the department under section 2011.

3-A. Enhanced support entitlement. “Enhanced support entitlement” means the basic support entitlement multiplied by a factor of 1.5.

4. Extraordinary medical expenses. “Extraordinary medical expenses” means recurring, uninsured medical expenses in excess of $250 per child or group of children per calendar year that can reasonably be predicted by the court or hearing officer at the time of establishment or modification of a support order. Responsibility for nonrecurring or subsequently occurring uninsured medical expenses in excess of $250 in the aggregate per child or group of children supported per calendar year must be divided between the parties in proportion to their adjusted gross incomes. These expenses include, but are not limited to, insurance copayments and deductibles, reasonable and necessary costs for orthodontia, dental treatment, eye care, eyeglasses, prescriptions, asthma treatment, physical therapy, chronic health problems and professional counseling or psychiatric therapy for diagnosed mental disorders.

5. Gross income. “Gross income” means gross income of a party as follows.

A. Gross income includes income from an ongoing source, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, commissions, royalties, bonuses, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust funds, annuities, capital gains, social security benefits, disability insurance benefits, prizes, workers’ compensation benefits, spousal support actually received pursuant to a preexisting order from a spouse who is not the parent of the child for whom support is being determined and educational grants, fellowships or subsidies that are available for personal living expenses. Gross income does not include child support or permanency guardianship subsidies received by either party for children other than the child for whom support is being determined.

B. Gross income includes expense reimbursements or in-kind payments received by a party in the course of employment or self-employment or operation of a business if the expense reimbursements or in-kind payments reduce personal living expenses.

C. Gross income includes gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses when a party is self-employed or derives income from proprietorship of a business, joint ownership of a partnership or a closely held business operation, and rents minus ordinary and necessary expenses. At the discretion of the court, amounts allowable by the United States Internal Revenue Service for the accelerated component of depreciation expenses or investment tax credits may or may not be treated as ordinary and necessary expenses. The court may also determine that other business expenses, including, but not limited to, business losses, are inappropriate for determining gross income for purposes of calculating child support.

D. Gross income may include the difference between the amount a party is earning and that party’s earning capacity when the party voluntarily becomes or remains unemployed or underemployed, if sufficient evidence is introduced concerning a party’s current earning capacity. In the absence of evidence in the record to the contrary, a party that is personally providing primary care for a child under the age of 24 months is deemed not available for employment. The court shall consider anticipated child care and other work-related expenses in determining whether to impute income, or how much income to impute, to a party providing primary care to a child between the ages of 24 months and 12 years. A party who is incarcerated in a correctional or penal institution is deemed available only for employment that is available through such institutions.

E. Gross income of an obligor does not include the amount of a preexisting spousal support obligation to a former spouse who is not the parent of the child for whom support is being determined, a preexisting child support obligation pursuant to court or administrative order, or an appropriate amount of preexisting child support being voluntarily paid by a party who has a legal obligation to support that child.

F. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 264, § 2.

G. Gross income does not include the amount of money received from means-tested public assistance programs, including, but not limited to, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, supplemental security income, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and general assistance.

5-A. Repealed. Laws 2009, c. 290, § 8.

5-B. Repealed. Law 2009, c. 290, § 9.

5-C. Repealed. Law 2009, c. 290, § 10.

6. Parental support obligation. “Parental support obligation” means the portion of total basic or enhanced support obligation a party is ordered to pay in money as child support.

7. Primary residence. “Primary residence” means the residence of a child where that child receives residential care for more than 50% of the time on an annual basis if the parents do not provide substantially equal care as defined in subsection 8-A.

8. Primary residential care provider. “Primary residential care provider” means the party who provides residential care for a child for more than 50% of the time on an annual basis if the parents do not provide substantially equal care as defined in subsection 8-A.

8-A. Substantially equal care. “Substantially equal care” means that both parents participate substantially equally in the child’s total care, which may include, but is not limited to, the child’s residential, educational, recreational, child care and medical, dental and mental health care needs.

9. Support guidelines. “Support guidelines” means the child support table and the criteria for application of the table set forth in section 2006.

10. Total basic support obligation. “Total basic support obligation” means the sum of money determined by adding the basic support entitlement, child care costs, extraordinary medical expenses and health insurance premiums.

10-A. Total enhanced support obligation. “Total enhanced support obligation” means the sum of money determined by calculating the enhanced support entitlement. “Total enhanced support obligation” does not include child care costs, extraordinary medical expenses and health insurance premiums.

11. Repealed. Laws 2017, c. 30, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.

Part 4. Protection from Abuse

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 103. Protection from Abuse

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 4101. Purposes

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

The court shall liberally construe and apply this chapter to promote the following underlying purposes:

1. Recognition. To recognize domestic abuse as a serious crime against the individual and society, producing an unhealthy and dangerous family environment, resulting in a pattern of escalating abuse, including violence, that frequently culminates in intrafamily homicide and creating an atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development;

2. Protection. To allow family and household members who are victims of domestic abuse to obtain expeditious and effective protection against further abuse so that the lives of the nonabusing family or household members are as secure and uninterrupted as possible;

3. Enforcement. To provide protection by promptly entering and diligently enforcing court orders that prohibit abuse and, when necessary, by reducing the abuser’s access to the victim and addressing related issues of parental rights and responsibilities and economic support so that victims are not trapped in abusive situations by fear of retaliation, loss of a child or financial dependence;

4. Prevention. To expand the power of the justice system to respond effectively to situations of domestic abuse, to clarify the responsibilities and support the efforts of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judicial officers to provide immediate, effective assistance and protection for victims of abuse and to recognize the crucial role of law enforcement officers in preventing further incidents of abuse and in assisting the victims of abuse;

5. Data collection. To provide for the collection of data concerning domestic abuse in an effort to develop a comprehensive analysis of the incidence and causes of that abuse; and

6. Mutual order. To declare that a mutual order of protection or restraint undermines the purposes of this chapter.

§ 4102. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Abuse. “Abuse” means the occurrence of the following acts:

A. Attempting to cause or causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact, including sexual assaults under Title 17-A, chapter 11, except that contact as described in Title 17-A, section 106, subsection 1 is excluded from this definition;

B. Attempting to place or placing another in fear of bodily injury, regardless of intent, through any course of conduct, including, but not limited to, threatening, harassing or tormenting behavior;

C. Compelling a person by force, threat of force or intimidation:

(1) To engage in conduct from which the person has a right or privilege to abstain; or

(2) To abstain from conduct in which the person has a right to engage;

D. Knowingly restricting substantially the movements of another person without that person’s consent or other lawful authority by:

(1) Removing that person from that person’s residence, place of business or school;

(2) Moving that person a substantial distance from the vicinity where that person was found; or

(3) Confining that person for a substantial period either in the place where the restriction commences or in a place to which that person has been moved;

E. Communicating to a person a threat to commit, or to cause to be committed, a crime of violence dangerous to human life against the person to whom the communication is made or another, and the natural and probable consequence of the threat, whether or not that consequence in fact occurs, is to place the person to whom the threat is communicated, or the person against whom the threat is made, in reasonable fear that the crime will be committed;

F. Repeatedly and without reasonable cause:

(1) Following the plaintiff; or

(2) Being at or in the vicinity of the plaintiff’s home, school, business or place of employment;

G. Engaging in the unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as prohibited pursuant to Title 17-A, section 511-A; or

H. Engaging in aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking as described in Title 17-A, section 852 or 853, respectively.

2. Adult. “Adult” means a person 18 years of age or older or a person under 18 years of age who is emancipated pursuant to Title 15, section 3506-A.

3. Court. “Court” means a District Court and, with regard to section 4113, the tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation.

4. Dating partners. “Dating partners” means individuals currently or formerly involved in dating each other, whether or not the individuals are or were sexual partners.

5. Economic abuse. “Economic abuse” means causing or attempting to cause an individual to be financially dependent by maintaining control over the individual’s financial resources, including, but not limited to, unauthorized or coerced use of credit or property, withholding access to money or credit cards, forbidding attendance at school or employment, stealing from or defrauding an individual of money or assets, exploiting the individual’s resources for personal gain of the defendant or withholding physical resources such as food, clothing, necessary medications or shelter.

6. Family or household members. “Family or household members” means:

A. Present or former spouses or domestic partners;

B. Individuals presently or formerly living together as spouses;

C. Parents of the same child;

D. Adult household members related by consanguinity or affinity;

E. Minor children of a parent or guardian when the defendant is an adult household member of that parent or guardian;

F. Individuals presently or formerly living together; and

G. Individuals who are or were sexual partners.

 

Holding oneself out to be a spouse is not necessary to constitute “living together as spouses.” For purposes of this subsection, “domestic partners” means 2 unmarried adults who are domiciled together under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare.

7. Law enforcement agency. “Law enforcement agency” means a state, county, tribal, municipal or University of Maine System law enforcement agency.

8. Order. “Order” means:

A. A temporary, emergency or interim order issued under this chapter;

B. A final protection order issued under this chapter after hearing or opportunity for hearing or with consent of the parties;

C. An order of a tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation; or

D. A similar order issued by a court of the United States or of another state, territory, commonwealth or federally recognized Indian tribe.

9. Social media. “Social media” means an electronic medium or service through which users create, share and view user-generated content, including, but not limited to, videos, still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant and text messages, e-mail, online service accounts and Internet website profiles and locations.

§ 4103. Eligibility

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

The following persons are eligible to seek relief under this chapter:

1. Adult. An adult:

A. Who has been a victim of abuse as defined in section 4102, subsection 1 by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity; or

B. Who has been a victim of conduct:

(1) Described as stalking in Title 17-A, section 210-A;

(2) Constituting any crime described in Title 17-A, chapter 11;

(3) Described as unauthorized dissemination of certain private images in Title 17-A, section 511-A;

(4) Described as aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking in Title 17-A, section 852 or 853, respectively; or

(5) Constituting a civil cause of action under Title 14, section 8305.

 

For purposes of this paragraph, the conduct need not have been perpetrated by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity;

2. Minor child. A person responsible for a child, as defined in Title 22, section 4002, subsection 9, or a representative of the department when a minor child has been:

A. A victim of abuse as defined in section 4102, subsection 1 by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity; or

B. A victim of conduct:

(1) Described as stalking in Title 17-A, section 210-A;

(2) Constituting any crime described in Title 17-A, chapter 11;

(3) Described as unauthorized dissemination of certain private images in Title 17-A, section 511-A;

(4) Described as aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking in Title 17-A, section 852 or 853, respectively;

(5) Described as sexual exploitation of a minor or dissemination of sexually explicit material in Title 17-A, section 282 or 283, respectively;

(6) Described as harassment by telephone or by electronic communication device in Title 17-A, section 506, subsection 1, paragraph A-1 or A-2; or

(7) Constituting a civil cause of action under Title 14, section 8305.

 

For purposes of this paragraph, the conduct need not have been perpetrated by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity;

3. Older or dependent adult. An adult who meets the eligibility requirements in paragraphs A and B as follows:

A. The adult is one of the following:

(1) Sixty years of age or older;

(2) A dependent adult, as defined in Title 22, section 3472, subsection 6; or

(3) An incapacitated adult, as defined in Title 22, section 3472, subsection 10; and

B. The adult has been the victim of abuse as defined in section 4102, subsection 1, this chapter or Title 22, section 3472, subsection 1 by an extended family member or unpaid care provider.

 

The adult victim, the adult victim’s legal guardian or a representative of the department may seek relief.

 

For the purposes of this subsection, “extended family member” includes, but is not limited to, a person who is related to the victim by blood, marriage or adoption whether or not the person resides or has ever resided with the victim.

 

For the purposes of this subsection, “unpaid care provider” includes, but is not limited to, a caretaker who voluntarily provides full, intermittent or occasional personal care to the adult victim in the victim’s home similar to the way a family member would provide personal care.

 

§ 4104. Commencement of a proceeding

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Venue and jurisdiction. Proceedings under this chapter must be filed, heard and determined in the District Court of the division:

A. In which the plaintiff or defendant resides; or

B. If the plaintiff has left the plaintiff’s residence to avoid abuse, of the plaintiff’s previous residence or new residence.

 

If a District Court Judge is not available in the division in which a complaint requesting a temporary order is to be filed, the complaint may be presented to another District Court Judge or to any Superior Court Justice. A Superior Court Justice has the same authority as a District Court Judge to grant or deny the temporary order.

2. Filing. A person may seek relief by filing a complaint alleging the abuse or conduct that makes the plaintiff eligible to seek protection pursuant to section 4103. The complaint need only include a short and plain statement showing that the plaintiff is entitled to relief.

§ 4105. Other proceedings

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act applies to a proceeding under this chapter regardless of whether it is joined with another proceeding under subsection 2.

2. Divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation or separate maintenance. All proceedings may be independent of, or joined with, a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation or separate maintenance.

3. Other remedies and relief. A proceeding under this chapter is in addition to any other available civil or criminal remedies.

4. No criminal proceeding required. Relief may be sought under this chapter regardless of whether a criminal prosecution has occurred.

§ 4106. Procedures

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Assistance. The following assistance from the court is available.

A. The court shall provide forms and clerical assistance to either party in completing and filing a complaint or other necessary documents. The assistance may not include legal advice or assistance in drafting legal documents.

B. The clerk of the court shall provide to a plaintiff written contact information for resources from which the plaintiff may receive legal or social service assistance provided to the Administrative Office of the Courts by the various providers of those services, including the Maine State Bar Association or successor organization, any local or statewide organizations providing domestic violence services, any local or statewide organizations providing sexual assault services and any other agency providing reliable and relevant resource contact information.

2. Forms. The forms provided by the court under subsection 1 must be uniform throughout the State and must include a summons and an affidavit for temporary emergency relief. The summons must include a section in which to list places where the defendant may be located or available to be served. The clerk of the court shall inquire where the defendant may be located or available to be served and list those locations on the summons or direct the plaintiff to do so.

3. Fees. A fee may not be charged for forms or for filing a complaint. A plaintiff may apply for leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

4. Notice. Prior to the plaintiff signing a complaint, the court shall notify the plaintiff, orally or in writing, that it is a crime to make a false statement under oath in a court document.

5. Notification; copies. The clerk of the court shall issue, without fee, a copy of an order, agreement, amendment or revocation to the plaintiff, to the defendant and to the law enforcement agencies most likely to enforce it, as determined by the court.

6. Civil rules apply. Unless otherwise indicated in this chapter, all proceedings must be in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be taken as provided by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be only for error of law or abuse of discretion.

7. Mediation and referees. The court may not mandate mediation or appointment of referees in actions brought under this chapter. If an action under this chapter is joined with another proceeding pursuant to section 4105, subsections 1 and 2, this subsection does not prohibit the court from mandating mediation or the appointment of a referee on any issue, other than abuse, that is part of the other proceeding.

§ 4107. Service of order

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

If the court issues an order under this chapter, the court shall order an appropriate law enforcement agency or, if the defendant is present in the courthouse, a court security officer qualified pursuant to Title 4, section 17, subsection 15 or, if the defendant is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Corrections to serve the defendant personally with the order. Temporary orders must be served with the summons and complaint. The court shall cause the order to be delivered to the law enforcement agency, the court security officer or the correctional facility in which the defendant is incarcerated as soon as practicable following the issuance of the order. The law enforcement agency, court security officer or chief administrative officer of a correctional facility or the chief administrative officer’s designee shall make a good faith effort to serve process expeditiously.

1. Electronically transmitted printed copies of order. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, service of an order may be made pursuant to this section through the use of electronically transmitted printed copies of orders that have been transmitted directly from the court to the law enforcement agency or correctional facility making service. Return of proof of service may be made by electronic transmission of the proof of service directly to the court from the law enforcement officer making service or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer’s designee, of the correctional facility making service.

2. Officer who served order as witness. In any subsequent criminal prosecution for violation of this chapter when the service of an order was made through the use of an electronically transmitted printed copy of the order, with 10 days’ advance written notice to the prosecution, the defendant may request that the prosecution call as a witness the law enforcement officer who served the order or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer’s designee, of the correctional facility that served the order.

§ 4108. Temporary orders

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Temporary orders. The court may enter temporary orders authorized under subsection 2 that it considers necessary to protect a plaintiff or minor child from abuse, on good cause shown in an ex parte proceeding, which the court shall hear and determine as expeditiously as practicable after the filing of a complaint. Immediate and present danger of abuse to the plaintiff or minor child constitutes good cause. A temporary order remains in effect pending a hearing pursuant to section 4109.

2. Interim relief. The court, in an ex parte proceeding, may enter temporary orders:

A. Concerning the parental rights and responsibilities relating to minor children for whom the parties are responsible;

B. Enjoining the defendant from engaging in the following:

(1) Imposing a restraint upon the person or liberty of the plaintiff;

(2) Threatening, assaulting, molesting, harassing, attacking or otherwise disturbing the peace of the plaintiff;

(3) Entering the family residence or the residence of the plaintiff, including the land immediately surrounding and associated with the residence;

(4) Repeatedly and without reasonable cause:

(a) Following the plaintiff; or

(b) Being at or in the vicinity of the plaintiff’s home, school, business or place of employment;

(5) Taking, converting or damaging property in which the plaintiff may have a legal interest;

(6) Having any direct or indirect contact with the plaintiff;

(7) Engaging in the unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as prohibited pursuant to Title 17-A, section 511-A; or

(8) Destroying, transferring or tampering with the plaintiff’s passport or other immigration document in the defendant’s possession; or

C. Concerning the care, custody or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party or a minor child residing in the household and may enjoin the defendant from injuring or threatening to injure any such animal.

3. Temporary orders; possession of dangerous weapons. The court may direct the defendant not to possess a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow or other dangerous weapon for the duration of the temporary order if the complaint demonstrates:

A. Abuse that involves a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow or other dangerous weapon; or

B. A heightened risk of immediate abuse to the plaintiff or a minor child. In determining whether a heightened risk of immediate abuse is present, the court shall consider, but is not limited to consideration of, whether:

(1) The temporary order of protection is not likely to achieve its purpose in the absence of such a condition;

(2) The defendant has violated orders of protection;

(3) Past or present abuse to a victim resulted in injury;

(4) The abuse occurred in public; and

(5) The abuse includes:

(a) Threats of suicide or homicide;

(b) Killing or threatening to kill any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party or a minor child residing in the household;

(c) An escalation of violence;

(d) Stalking behavior or extreme obsession;

(e) Sexual violence;

(f) Excessive alcohol or drug use; and

(g) Abuse against a pregnant victim.

If the court prohibits the defendant from possessing a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow or other dangerous weapon in a temporary order and if the defendant moves for dissolution or modification of a temporary order pursuant to subsection 6, the court shall hear and decide the motion as expeditiously as possible and shall issue a written decision on the motion within 24 hours after a hearing on that motion.

If the court prohibits the defendant from possessing a dangerous weapon other than a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow or crossbow in a temporary order, the court shall specify the type of weapon the defendant is prohibited from possessing.

If the court prohibits the defendant from possessing a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow or other dangerous weapon in a temporary order, the court shall direct the defendant to relinquish, within 24 hours after service of the temporary order on the defendant or such earlier time as the court specifies in the temporary order, all firearms, muzzle-loading firearms, bows, crossbows and specified dangerous weapons in the possession of the defendant to a law enforcement officer or other individual for the duration of the temporary order. If the weapons are relinquished to an individual other than a law enforcement officer, the defendant must file, within 24 hours after such relinquishment, with the court or local law enforcement agency designated in the temporary order a written statement that contains the name and address of the individual holding the weapons and a description of all weapons held by that individual. The court may subsequently issue a search warrant authorizing a law enforcement officer to seize any firearms, muzzle-loading firearms, bows, crossbows and other dangerous weapons at any location if there is probable cause to believe such firearms, muzzle-loading firearms, bows, crossbows or dangerous weapons have not been relinquished by the defendant.

4. Emergency relief. Emergency relief is available as follows.

A. When there is no judge available in the District Court having venue or the District Court courthouse is closed and no other provision can be made for the shelter of an abused family or household member or minor child, a complaint may be presented to another District Court Judge or Superior Court Justice. Upon a showing of good cause, as described in subsection 1, the court may enter temporary orders authorized under this section that it considers necessary to protect the plaintiff or minor child from abuse.

B. If a complaint is presented under this subsection, that complaint and any temporary order issued pursuant to it must be forwarded immediately to the clerk of the District Court having venue for filing.

C. A temporary order under this subsection remains in effect pending a hearing pursuant to section 4109.

5. Denial of relief. Before a request for temporary, emergency or interim relief is denied, the judge shall:

A. Allow the plaintiff the opportunity to be heard in person to support the complaint. The plaintiff may be accompanied by a person of the plaintiff’s choice; and

B. Advise the plaintiff of reasons for the denial.

6. Dissolution or modification. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, upon 2 days’ notice to the plaintiff or upon such shorter notice as the court may order, a person who is subject to a temporary order may appear and move the dissolution or modification of the temporary order and, in that event, the court shall proceed to hear and determine the motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require. At that hearing, the plaintiff has the burden of justifying a finding in the temporary order that the defendant has challenged by affidavit. This subsection may not be construed to abolish or limit any means otherwise available by law for obtaining dissolution, modification or discharge of a temporary order.

7. Extension. If a hearing on the complaint is continued, the court may make or extend temporary orders it considers necessary. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, if a final protection order is issued pursuant to section 4110, the temporary protection order issued pursuant to this section remains in effect pending service of the final protection order.

§ 4109. Hearings

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Full hearing. Within 21 days of the filing of a complaint, a hearing must be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of abuse or conduct specified in section 4103 by a preponderance of the evidence. If a request for temporary, emergency or interim relief is denied, the hearing must be held as soon as practicable within the 21-day period. Nothing in this section limits the court’s discretion to continue the final hearing upon the court’s own motion or upon the motion of either party.

2. Self-defense. The right to relief under this chapter is not affected by the plaintiff’s use of reasonable force in response to abuse by the defendant.

3. Intoxication. Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to an action under this chapter.

§ 4110. Relief

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Final protection order. The court, after a hearing or opportunity for hearing and upon finding that the defendant has committed the abuse or conduct specified in section 4103, may grant a final protection order to bring about the cessation of the abuse or alleged conduct. The court may enter a finding that the defendant represents a credible threat to the physical safety of the plaintiff or a minor child residing in the household. The court may enter a finding of economic abuse.

2. Final protection order by consent. The court may approve a final protection order by consent if all parties agree to the terms, including whether an order under this section includes findings by the court.

3. Relief. Relief granted under this section may include:

A. Directing the defendant not to threaten, assault, molest, harass, attack or otherwise abuse the plaintiff and any minor children residing in the household;

B. Directing the defendant not to possess a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow or other dangerous weapon for the duration of the order;

C. Prohibiting the defendant from the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury against the plaintiff or a minor child residing in the household;

D. Directing the defendant not to go upon the premises of the plaintiff’s residence;

E. Directing the defendant to refrain from repeatedly and without reasonable cause:

(1) Following the plaintiff;

(2) Being at or in the vicinity of the plaintiff’s home, school, business or place of employment; or

(3) Engaging in conduct defined as stalking in Title 17-A, section 210-A;

F. Directing the defendant not to have any direct or indirect contact with the plaintiff, including via social media;

G. When the mutual residence or household of the parties is jointly owned or jointly leased or when one party has a duty to support the other or their minor children living in the residence or household and that party is the sole owner or lessee:

(1) Granting or restoring possession of the residence or household to one party, excluding the other; or

(2) A consent agreement, allowing the party with the duty to support to provide suitable alternate housing;

H. Directing the defendant not to injure or threaten to injure any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party or a minor child residing in the household;

I. Either awarding some or all temporary parental rights and responsibilities with regard to minor children or awarding temporary rights of contact with regard to minor children, or both, under such conditions that the court finds in the best interest of the child pursuant to section 1653, subsections 3 to 6-B. The court’s award of parental rights and responsibilities or rights of contact is not binding in any separate action involving an award of parental rights and responsibilities pursuant to chapter 55 or in a similar action brought in another jurisdiction exercising child custody jurisdiction in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act;

J. With respect to unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as described in Title 17-A, section 511-A, entering any orders determined necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the court, including but not limited to:

(1) Prohibiting the defendant from disseminating the private images;

(2) Ordering the defendant to remove, destroy or return or to direct the removal, destruction or return of the private images; or

(3) Ordering the defendant to pay costs associated with removal, destruction or return of the private images;

K. Ordering a division of the personal property and household goods and furnishings of the parties and placing any protective orders considered appropriate by the court, including an order to refrain from taking, converting or damaging property in which the plaintiff has a legal interest;

L. Ordering the termination of a life insurance policy or rider under that policy owned by the defendant if the plaintiff is the insured life under the policy or rider. Upon issuance, a copy of the order must be sent to the insurer that issued the policy;

M. Requiring the defendant to attend a certified domestic violence intervention program, to receive counseling from a social worker, family service agency, mental health center, psychiatrist or to participate in any other guidance service that the court considers appropriate. The court may not order and the State may not pay for the defendant to attend a certified domestic violence intervention program unless the program is certified under section 4116;

N. Ordering the payment of temporary support for a dependent party when the defendant has a legal obligation to support that dependent party;

O. Ordering the payment of temporary support:

(1) For a child in the dependent party’s custody in accordance with chapter 63, when the defendant has a legal obligation to support that child; or

(2) To the State as provided in chapters 63, 65 and 67.

In all proceedings under this chapter, the court shall apply the child support guidelines in chapter 63 using the information the plaintiff is able to provide the court. Failure of a party to file an income affidavit may not unnecessarily delay a proceeding and does not preclude the issuance of an order for child support, except that the court shall require the plaintiff to complete and file an income affidavit at a final hearing involving child support even if the defendant does not appear for the hearing;

P. Ordering payment of monetary relief to the plaintiff for losses suffered as a result of the defendant’s conduct. Monetary relief includes but is not limited to loss of earnings or support, reasonable expenses incurred for personal injuries or property damage, transitional living expenses and reasonable moving expenses. Upon the motion of either party, for sufficient cause, the court may set a later hearing on the issue of the amount of monetary relief, if any, to be awarded. Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit the court’s discretion to enter any of the other available relief under this chapter. Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to preclude a plaintiff from seeking monetary relief through other actions as permissible by law;

Q. Ordering the defendant to pay court costs or reasonable attorney’s fees;

R. Ordering the plaintiff to pay court costs or reasonable attorney’s fees, or both, only if a judgment is entered against the plaintiff after a hearing in which both the plaintiff and the defendant are present and the court finds that the complaint is frivolous;

S. Directing the care, custody or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party or a minor child residing in the household;

T. With regard to conduct described as aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking as described in Title 17-A, section 852 or 853, respectively, entering any other orders determined necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the court, including, but not limited to, requiring the defendant to pay economic damages related to the return or restoration of the plaintiff’s passport or other immigration document and any debts of the plaintiff arising from the trafficking relationship; or

U. Entering any other orders determined necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the court.

4. No possession of firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow or crossbow or dangerous weapons for duration of final protection order. If the court prohibits the defendant from possessing a dangerous weapon other than a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow or crossbow, the court shall specify the type of weapon the defendant is prohibited from possessing.

If the court prohibits the defendant from possessing a firearm, muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow or other dangerous weapon, the court shall direct the defendant to relinquish, within 24 hours after service of the final protection order on the defendant or such earlier time as the court specifies in the final protection order, all firearms, muzzle-loading firearms, bows, crossbows and specified dangerous weapons in the possession of the defendant to a law enforcement officer or other individual for the duration of the final protection order. If the weapons are relinquished to an individual other than a law enforcement officer, the defendant must file, within 24 hours after such relinquishment, with the court or local law enforcement agency designated in the final protection order a written statement that contains the name and address of the individual holding the weapons and a description of all weapons held by that individual. The court may subsequently issue a search warrant authorizing a law enforcement officer to seize any firearms, muzzle-loading firearms, bows, crossbows and other dangerous weapons at any location if there is probable cause to believe such firearms, muzzle-loading firearms, bows, crossbows or dangerous weapons have not been relinquished by the defendant.

5. Final protection order. This subsection applies to a final protection order issued under this chapter.

A. A final protection order issued under this chapter must be for a fixed period not to exceed 2 years, unless extended by the court pursuant to section 4111.

B. An order issued under this chapter must indicate, in a clear and conspicuous manner, the potential consequences of violation of the order, as provided in section 4113 and Title 15, section 393, subsection 1, paragraph D, if applicable.

C. If the court enjoins the defendant under this section and the enjoined conduct constitutes harassment under Title 17-A, section 506-A, the court shall include in the order a warning in conformity with Title 17-A, section 506-A.

6. Limitations. In issuing an order under this chapter, the court may not:

A. Affect title to any real property;

B. Require the execution of a bond by the plaintiff prior to issuance of an order of protection; or

C. Issue a mutual order of protection or restraint. As used in this chapter, “mutual order of protection or restraint” means an order that is granted to the defendant under this chapter or the inclusion of language in an order granted to a plaintiff in an action under this chapter that restricts or limits the plaintiff’s conduct with regard to the defendant absent the filing of a separate complaint by the defendant, service of the summons and complaint on the plaintiff and a finding by the court that the plaintiff committed the abuse alleged in the complaint.

§ 4111. Modifying and extending orders

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Extension. The court may extend a final protection order issued under this chapter at the time of expiration, upon motion of the plaintiff, for such additional time as the court determines necessary to protect the plaintiff or minor child from abuse or conduct specified in section 4103. A final protection order may be extended more than once and without limitation on the duration of the extension. In determining whether extension of a final protection order is necessary, the court may consider:

A. The underlying reasons for the order, including earlier abuse and the history of abuse;

B. Conduct that has occurred since the entry of the final protection order;

C. The continued effect of any abuse on the plaintiff; and

D. All other relevant factors pursuant to the discretion of the court.

 

The court may continue the final protection order in effect until a hearing under section 4109, subsection 1 on the motion to extend.

2. Modification of order. Upon motion by either party, for sufficient cause, the court may modify an order issued under this chapter from time to time as circumstances require.

3. Action by plaintiff. A plaintiff may extinguish or modify an order issued under this chapter only by legal process in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Any other action or inaction on the part of the plaintiff does not alter, diminish or negate the effectiveness of the order. Criminal sanctions may not be imposed upon the plaintiff for violation of a provision of the plaintiff’s order for protection.

§ 4113. Violation

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Crime committed. Except as provided in subsections 2, 4 and 5, violation of an order is a Class D crime when the defendant has prior actual notice, which may be notice by means other than service in hand, of the order.

2. Exception. When the only provision of the order that is violated concerns relief authorized under section 4110, subsection 3, paragraphs K to U, the violation must be treated as contempt and punished in accordance with law.

3. Warrantless arrest. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, an arrest for criminal violation of an order may be without warrant upon probable cause whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer may verify, if necessary, the existence of the order, including by telephone or radio communication with a law enforcement agency with knowledge of the order.

4. Reckless conduct; assault. A defendant who violates a final protection order issued pursuant to section 4110, an order issued pursuant to former section 4007 or an order that is similar to a protective order pursuant to section 4110 issued by a court of the United States or of another state, territory, commonwealth or federally recognized Indian tribe through conduct that is reckless and that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the plaintiff named in the final protection order or who assaults the plaintiff named in the final protection order commits a Class C crime.

5. Repeat violations. A person who commits a violation under subsection 1 and has 2 or more prior convictions under subsection 1 or former section 4011, subsection 1 or 2 or more convictions for engaging in substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction commits a Class C crime. Title 17-A, section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.

Title 22. Health and Welfare

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Subtitle 3. Income Supplementation

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Part 2. Aged, Blind, Disabled or Medically Indigent Persons

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 958-A. Adult Protective Services

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 3472. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Abuse. “Abuse” means the infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment that causes or is likely to cause physical harm or pain or mental anguish; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; financial exploitation; or the intentional, knowing or reckless deprivation of essential needs. “Abuse” includes acts and omissions.

2. Adult. “Adult” means any person who has attained 18 years of age or who is a legally emancipated minor.

2-A. Repealed. Laws 2011, c. 657, § BB-3.

3. Caretaker. “Caretaker” means any individual or institution who has or assumes the responsibility for the care of an adult.

4. Commissioner. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Health and Human Services or a designated representative in the geographical area in which the person resides or is present.

5. Repealed. Laws 2005, c. 397, § A-22, eff. June 17, 2005.

6. Dependent adult. “Dependent adult” means an adult who has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs the adult’s ability to adequately provide for that adult’s daily needs. “Dependent adult” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

A. A resident of a nursing home licensed or required to be licensed under section 1817;

B. A resident of a facility providing assisted living services licensed or required to be licensed pursuant to section 7801;

C. A person considered a dependent person under Title 17-A, section 555; or

D. A person, regardless of where that person resides, who is wholly or partially dependent upon one or more other persons for care or support, either emotional or physical, because the person suffers from a significant limitation in mobility, vision, hearing or emotional or mental functioning.

7. Emergency. “Emergency” refers to a situation in which:

A. The incapacitated or dependent adult is in immediate risk of serious harm;

B. The incapacitated or dependent adult is unable to consent to services that will diminish or eliminate the risk; and

C. There is no person legally authorized to consent to emergency services.

8. Emergency services. “Emergency services” refers to those services necessary to avoid serious harm.

9. Exploitation. “Exploitation” means the illegal or improper use of an incapacitated or dependent adult or that adult’s resources for another’s profit or advantage.

9-A. Financial exploitation. “Financial exploitation” means the use of deception, intimidation, undue influence, force or other unlawful means to obtain control over the property of a dependent adult for another’s profit or advantage.

10. Incapacitated adult. “Incapacitated adult” means an adult who is unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate informed decisions to such an extent that the adult lacks the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with reasonably available appropriate technological assistance.

11. Neglect. “Neglect” means a threat to an adult’s health or welfare by physical or mental injury or impairment, deprivation of essential needs or lack of protection from these.

12. Protective services. “Protective services” means services that separate incapacitated or dependent adults from danger. Protective services include, but are not limited to, social, medical and psychiatric services necessary to preserve the incapacitated or dependent adult’s rights and resources and to maintain the incapacitated or dependent adult’s physical and mental well-being.

Protective services may include seeking guardianship or a protective order under Title 18-C, Article 5.1

13. Serious harm. “Serious harm” means:

A. Serious physical injury or impairment;

B. Serious mental injury or impairment that now or in the future is likely to be evidenced by serious mental, behavioral or personality disorder, including, but not limited to, severe anxiety, depression or withdrawal, untoward aggressive behavior or similar serious dysfunctional behavior;

C. Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; or

D. Serious waste or dissipation of resources.

14. Repealed. Laws 1989, c. 259, § 4, eff. June 12, 1989.

15. Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. “Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation” means contact or interaction of a sexual nature involving an incapacitated or dependent adult without that adult’s informed consent.

16. Undue influence. “Undue influence” means the misuse of real or apparent authority or the use of manipulation by a person in a trusting, confidential or fiduciary relationship with a person who is a dependent adult or an incapacitated adult.

Part 3. Children

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Chapter 1071. Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

§ 4002. Definitions

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Abuse or neglect. “Abuse or neglect” means a threat to a child’s health or welfare by physical, mental or emotional injury or impairment, sexual abuse or exploitation including under Title 17-A, sections 282, 852, 853 and 855 or deprivation of essential needs, or lack of protection from these, by a person responsible for the child. “Abuse or neglect” also means truancy under Title 20-A, section 3272, subsection 2, paragraph C or section 5051-A, subsection 1, paragraph C or D when truancy is the result of neglect by a person responsible for the child. “Abuse or neglect” also means a threat to a child’s health or welfare caused by child sex trafficking by any person, regardless of whether or not the person is responsible for the child.

1-A. Abandonment. “Abandonment” means any conduct on the part of the parent showing an intent to forego parental duties or relinquish parental claims. The intent may be evidenced by:

A. Failure, for a period of at least 6 months, to communicate meaningfully with the child;

B. Failure, for a period of at least 6 months, to maintain regular visitation with the child;

C. Failure to participate in any plan or program designed to reunite the parent with the child;

D. Deserting the child without affording means of identifying the child and the child’s parent or custodian;

E. Failure to respond to notice of child protective proceedings; or

F. Any other conduct indicating an intent to forego parental duties or relinquish parental claims.

1-B. Aggravating factor. “Aggravating factor” means any of the following circumstances with regard to the parent.

A. The parent has subjected any child for whom the parent was responsible to aggravated circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Rape, gross sexual misconduct, gross sexual assault, sexual abuse, incest, aggravated assault, kidnapping, promotion of prostitution, sexual exploitation of a minor, sex trafficking or aggravated sex trafficking, abandonment, torture, chronic abuse or any other treatment that is heinous or abhorrent to society.

(2) Deleted. Laws 2001, c. 696, § 10.

A-1. The parent refused for 6 months to comply with treatment required in a reunification plan with regard to the child.

B. The parent has been convicted of any of the following crimes and the victim of the crime was a child for whom the parent was responsible or the victim was a child who was a member of a household lived in or frequented by the parent:

(1) Murder;

(2) Felony murder;

(3) Manslaughter;

(4) Aiding, conspiring or soliciting murder or manslaughter;

(5) Felony assault that results in serious bodily injury; or

(6) Any comparable crime in another jurisdiction.

C. The parental rights of the parent to a sibling have been terminated involuntarily.

D. The parent has abandoned the child.

1-C. Best interest of the child. “Best interest of the child,” “best interests of the child,” “child’s best interest” and “child’s best interests” mean the standard of the best interest of the child according to the factors set forth in Title 19-A, section 1653, subsection 3.

2. Child. “Child” means any person who is less than 18 years of age.

3. Child protection proceeding. “Child protection proceeding” means a proceeding on a child protection petition under subchapter IV,1 a subsequent proceeding to review or modify a case disposition under section 4038, an appeal under section 4006, a proceeding on a termination petition under subchapter VI,2 or a proceeding on a medical treatment petition under subchapter VIII.3

3-A. Repealed. Laws 2001, c. 439, § X-1.

3-B. Child sex trafficking. “Child sex trafficking” means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a child for the purposes of a commercial sex act as defined in 22 United States Code, Section 7102(4).

4. Custodial parent. “Custodial parent” means a parent with custody.

5. Custodian. “Custodian” means the person who has legal custody and power over the person of a child.

5-A. Foster parent. “Foster parent” means a person whose home is licensed by the department as a family foster home as defined in section 8101, subsection 3 and with whom the child lives pursuant to a court order or agreement with the department.

5-B. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. “Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder” means a condition whose effects include having facial characteristics, growth restriction, central nervous system abnormalities or other characteristics consistent with prenatal alcohol exposure identified in a child from birth to 12 months of age.

5-C. Grandparent. “Grandparent” means the parent of a child’s parent.

6. Jeopardy to health or welfare or jeopardy. “Jeopardy to health or welfare” or “jeopardy” means serious abuse or neglect, as evidenced by:

A. Serious harm or threat of serious harm;

B. Deprivation of adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision or care;

B-1. Deprivation of necessary health care when the deprivation places the child in danger of serious harm;

B-2. Truancy under Title 20-A, section 3272, subsection 2, paragraph C or section 5051-A, subsection 1, paragraph C or D;

C. Abandonment of the child or absence of any person responsible for the child, which creates a threat of serious harm; or

D. The end of voluntary placement, when the imminent return of the child to the child’s custodian causes a threat of serious harm.

6-A. Licensed mental health professional. “Licensed mental health professional” means a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker or certified social worker.

6-B. Qualified individual. “Qualified individual” has the same meaning as in 42 United States Code, Section 675a(c)(1)(D)(i) (2020).

6-C. Qualified residential treatment program. “Qualified residential treatment program” means a program within a licensed children’s residential care facility as defined in section 8101, subsection 4 that provides continuous 24-hour care and supportive services to children in a residential nonfamily home setting that:

A. Utilizes a trauma-informed treatment model that is designed to address the clinical and other needs of children with serious emotional and behavioral disorders or disturbances;

B. Implements a specific treatment recommended in a needs assessment completed by a qualified individual;

C. Employs registered or licensed nursing staff and other licensed clinical staff who are:

(1) On site according to the treatment model used pursuant to paragraph A and during business hours; and

(2) Available 7 days a week on a 24-hour basis;

D. Appropriately facilitates outreach to family members and integrates those family members into the treatment of children;

E. Provides discharge planning for children including 6 months of post-discharge aftercare support;

F. Is licensed by the department in accordance with the United States Social Security Act, Section 471(a)(10); and

G. Is accredited by an independent nonprofit organization approved by the department.

7. Parent. “Parent” means a natural or adoptive parent or a parent established under Title 19-A, chapter 61, unless parental rights have been terminated.

7-A. Repealed. Laws 2005, c. 372, § 2.

8. Person. “Person” means an individual, corporation, facility, institution or agency, public or private.

9. Person responsible for the child. “Person responsible for the child” means a person with responsibility for a child’s health or welfare, whether in the child’s home or another home; a facility licensed or subject to licensure that, as part of its function, provides for care of the child; or a person licensed or subject to licensure that, as part of its function, provides for care of the child. “Person responsible for the child” includes the child’s custodian.

9-A. Preadoptive parent. “Preadoptive parent” means a person who has entered into a preadoption agreement with the department with respect to the child.

9-B. Relative. “Relative” means a family member related to the child within the 3rd degree through parentage established under Title 19-A, chapter 61 or any spouse of that family member. “Relative” also includes the adoptive parent of the child’s siblings. “Relative” includes, for an Indian child as defined by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 United States Code, Section 1903, Subsection 4, or by the Maine Indian Child Welfare Act, section 3943, subsection 8, an extended family member as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child’s tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, an extended family member as defined by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 United States Code, Section 1903, Subsection 2 or the Maine Indian Child Welfare Act, section 3943, subsection 5.

9-C. Removal of the child from home. “Removal of the child from home” means that the department or a court has taken a child out of the home of the parent, legal guardian or custodian without the permission of the parent or legal guardian.

9-D. Resource family. “Resource family” means a person or persons who provide care to a child in the child welfare system and who are foster parents, permanency guardians, adoptive parents or members of the child’s extended birth family.

10. Serious harm. “Serious harm” means:

A. Serious injury;

B. Serious mental or emotional injury or impairment which now or in the future is likely to be evidenced by serious mental, behavioral or personality disorder, including severe anxiety, depression or withdrawal, untoward aggressive behavior, seriously delayed development or similar serious dysfunctional behavior; or

C. Sexual abuse or exploitation.

11. Serious injury. “Serious injury” means serious physical injury or impairment.

12. Suspicious child death. “Suspicious child death” means the death of a child under circumstances in which there is reasonable cause to suspect that abuse or neglect was a cause of or factor contributing to the child’s death.

§ 4005-D. Access to and participating in proceedings

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Foster parent” means a person whose home is licensed by the department as a family foster home as defined in section 8101, subsection 3 and with whom a child lives pursuant to a court order or agreement of the department.

B. “Grandparent,” in addition to the meaning set forth in section 4002, subsection 5-C, includes a parent of a child’s parent whose parental rights have been terminated, but only until the child is placed for adoption.

C. “Interested person” means a person the court has determined as having a substantial relationship with a child or a substantial interest in the child’s well-being, based on the type, strength and duration of the relationship or interest. A person may request interested person status in a child protection proceeding either orally or in writing.

D. “Intervenor” means a person who is granted intervenor status in a child protective proceeding pursuant to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 24, as long as intervention is consistent with section 4003.

E. “Participant” means a person who is designated as an interested person under paragraph C and who demonstrates to the court that designation as a participant is in the best interests of the child and consistent with section 4003. A person may request participant status in a child protection proceeding either orally or in writing.

2. Interested persons. Upon request, the court shall designate a foster parent, grandparent, preadoptive parent or a relative of a child as an interested person unless the court finds good cause not to do so. The court may also grant interested person status to other individuals who have a significant relationship to the child, including, but not limited to, teachers, coaches, counselors or a person who has provided or is providing care for the child.

3. Access to proceedings. An interested person, participant or intervenor may attend and observe all court proceedings under this chapter unless the court finds good cause to exclude the person. The opportunity to attend court proceedings does not include the right to be heard or the right to present or cross-examine witnesses, present evidence or have access to pleadings or records.

4. Right to be heard. A participant or an intervenor has the right to be heard in any court proceeding under this chapter. The right to be heard does not include the right to present or cross-examine witnesses, present evidence or have access to pleadings or records.

5. Intervention. An intervenor may participate in any court proceeding under this chapter as a party as provided by the court when granting intervenor status under Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 24. An intervenor has the rights of a party as ordered by the court in granting intervenor status, including the right to present or cross-examine witnesses, present evidence and have access to pleadings and records.

6. Foster parents, preadoptive parents and relatives providing care. The foster parent of a child, if any, and any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child must be provided notice of and the right to be heard in any proceeding to be held with respect to the child. The right to be heard includes the right to testify but does not include the right to present other witnesses or evidence, to attend any other portion of the proceeding or to have access to pleadings or records. This subsection may not be construed to require that any foster parent, preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child be made a party to the proceeding solely on the basis of the notice and right to be heard.

The foster parent of a child, if any, and any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child may attend a proceeding in its entirety under this subsection unless specifically excluded by decision of the presiding judge.

7. Confidentiality and disclosure limitations. Interested persons, participants and intervenors are subject to the confidentiality and disclosure limitations of section 4008.

§ 4005-H. Relatives; visitation or access; placement by court

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

1. Grandparent visitation or access. A grandparent who is designated as an interested person or a participant under section 4005-D or who has been granted intervenor status under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 24 may request the court to grant reasonable rights of visitation or access. When a child is placed in a prospective adoptive home and the prospective adoptive parents have signed an adoptive placement agreement, a grandparent’s rights of visitation or access that were granted pursuant to this chapter are suspended unless a court determines that it is in the best interest of the child to continue the grandparent’s rights of visitation or access. A grandparent’s rights of visitation or access terminate when the adoption is finalized pursuant to Title 18-A, section 9-308. Nothing in this section prohibits prospective adoptive parents from independently facilitating or permitting contact between a child and a grandparent, especially when a court has previously ordered rights of visitation or access.

For the purposes of this subsection, “grandparent” includes a parent of a child’s parent whose parental rights have been terminated, but only until the child is adopted.

2. Placement by court. A relative may request that the court order that the department place a child with that relative in accordance with this subsection.

A. A relative who is designated as an interested person or a participant under section 4005-D or who has been granted intervenor status under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 24 may request either orally or in writing that the court order that the child be placed with that relative. A relative who has not been designated as an interested person, a participant or an intervenor may request in writing that the child be placed with that relative.

B. If one or more relatives request placement under paragraph A, the court may by order refer the relatives to mediation with the foster parents, if the child has been placed with foster parents, and the guardian ad litem. The court may order the department to attend the mediation. The order must designate the mediator and specify responsibility for the costs of mediation. An agreement reached by the parties through mediation involving placement or visitation must be reduced to writing, signed by all parties and presented to the court. The court shall consider but is not bound by an agreement under this paragraph.

C. In making a decision on a request under paragraph A, the court shall, consistent with section 4003, place the child with a relative who made a request if that placement is in the best interest of the child.

D. If a court order placing a child with a relative under paragraph C is made part of a permanency planning order entered pursuant to section 4038-B, subsection 3, placement with that relative is the preferred placement in all future proceedings on the child protection petition with respect to the child unless evidence is presented that remaining in that placement will negatively affect the child’s emotional or physical health, safety, stability or well-being.

3. Conviction or adjudication for certain sex offenses; presumption. There is a rebuttable presumption that the relative would create a situation of jeopardy for the child if any contact were to be permitted and that contact is not in the best interest of the child if the court finds that the relative:

A. Has been convicted of an offense listed in Title 19-A, section 1653, subsection 6-A, paragraph A in which the victim was a minor at the time of the offense and the relative was at least 5 years older than the minor at the time of the offense except that, if the offense was gross sexual assault under Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B or C, or an offense in another jurisdiction that involves conduct that is substantially similar to that contained in Title 17-A, section 253, subsection 1, paragraph B or C, and the minor victim submitted as a result of compulsion, the presumption applies regardless of the ages of the relative and the minor victim at the time of the offense; or

B. Has been adjudicated in an action under this chapter of sexually abusing a person who was a minor at the time of the abuse.

The relative seeking visitation with or access to the child may produce evidence to rebut the presumption.