Maine Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a crime that is less serious than a felony but more serious than a civil violation. Maine does not use the terms "misdemeanor" or "felony" in its criminal laws. Instead, crimes are graded from Class A (most serious) to Class E (least serious). Class D and Class E crimes function similarly to misdemeanors. They may result in jail time in local jails for months, rather than long state prison terms.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Maine?

Maine classifies lower-level crimes as Class D and Class E. Class D crimes include domestic violence assault, simple assault, violation of a protective order, and operating under the influence. Class E crimes involve operating on a suspended license, disorderly conduct, theft under $1,000, online harassment, and prostitution.

Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties in Maine

Maine divides misdemeanors into two classes: Class D and Class E. Both have specific rules and penalties set by law.

Class D includes more serious misdemeanors such as domestic violence assault, simple assault, violation of a protective order, and operating under the influence. The maximum penalty for Class D offenses is up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Class E covers less serious crimes like operating on a suspended license, disorderly conduct, theft under $1,000, online harassment, and prostitution. The maximum penalty for Class E offenses is up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Some offenses have additional requirements like mandatory treatment, probation, restitution, or community service. For example, OUI (Operating Under the Influence) laws set escalating penalties for repeat offenders and certain aggravating factors.

Misdemeanor Court Process in Maine

Maine’s trial courts are the District Court and the Superior Court. Some counties use the Unified Criminal Docket (UCD) to handle criminal cases. This system merges work that was once split between the two courts. Lesser crimes (Class D and E) are handled in this system based on local rules.

Typical sequence.

1. Arrest or summons: Many Class D or Class E cases start with a summons; some with an arrest.
2. Initial appearance or arraignment: The judge tells the defendant the charges and explains their rights. The judge sets conditions for release and talks about lawyers.
3. Counsel: If jail time is possible and the person cannot pay for a lawyer, the court appoints one.
4. Pre-trial: Parties exchange evidence and make requests. Plea talks and any treatment or diversion programs happen here. This follows Maine’s Unified Criminal Procedure rules.
5. Plea or trial: The defendant may have a jury trial if the case qualifies. Otherwise, the judge holds the trial alone.
6. Sentencing: After a plea or conviction, the court gives the sentence following Class D or Class E limits and any special rules. This may include probation, restitution, or programs. Jail time, if given, is served in a county jail.

Misdemeanor Records in Major Maine Cities

Maine eCourts brings together eFiling, digital records, and online payments. Access to records online is growing but varies by county. Not all criminal records are online. Certified copies of official records may be requested from the local court clerk of each courthouse.

Bangor (Penobscot County) use re:SearchMaine to check e-filed public cases. Traffic fines go through the Violations Bureau portal.

Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties use the Maine eCourts Criminal Fines and Fees portal to pay criminal fines. Other counties use the InforME Court Fines system.

How to Search for Misdemeanor Records in Maine

1. Start with the judicial Branch “Court Record” Page. It shows what is online and linked to how to request records. Not all criminal records are online yet.
2. If your county uses eFiling, use re:SearchMaine. Register for free to search public cases and see case action.
3. Pay fines at the Maine eCourts Fines and Fees site for Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. Other counties use InforME Court Fines. Use Traffic Pay for noncriminal tickets. The phone payment option is also available.
4. For a full criminal history, ask the State Bureau of Identification. Court files and history checks are different.
5. Court dockets usually show charges, dates, hearings, results, sentences, and fees. If online records are not available, contact the courthouse clerk.

What information a court docket usually includes: charges with statute cites, filing and event dates, hearings, dispositions, sentence terms (jail, probation, fines), and balances. When remote viewing isn’t available, the clerk’s office is the point of contact

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Maine?

Maine lacks a general expungement statute for adult convictions. A new law permits the sealing of some older Class E misdemeanor convictions by some people. It covers up those records from public view but does not obliterate them.

Mostly, current or former Class E convictions are eligible, except for a few sexual assaults. Some marijuana Class D convictions before 2017 can also be sealed.

To seal, four years must pass from the end of the sentence. Pending or new charges cannot be taken into account. Individuals may request to seal the record. If approved, the record will only be available to law enforcement agencies.

Class D convictions mostly do not qualify, except for some marijuana cases. Without sealing, records are publicly available indefinitely.