Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Portland

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Portland, Maine?

  (207) 874-8479 is the non-emergency line for the local police station in Portland.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Portland, Maine?

  To request a report from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in Portland, Maine, you can visit or mail your request to their Records Department at 36 County Way, Portland, Maine 04102.

  You can also call them at (207) 774-1444 ext. 2249, send an email to reports@cumberlandcounty.org, or fax your request at (207) 828-2357.

• Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor in Portland?

  Yes. As an individual who has been charged with a misdemeanor in Portland, it is possible for you to face jail time of up to a year, depending on factors such as your criminal record and the severity of the charges. In addition to potential jail time, a misdemeanor conviction can result in having to disclose it on future applications.

• Do you have to pay restitution for damaging property in Portland?

  If you have damaged property as part of a crime, a court may order you to pay restitution to the victim for their losses. However, if there is a dispute about the amount, you can request a hearing in Portland to determine the actual damages. The prosecution will be responsible for proving the amount of restitution they seek during this hearing.

• What should you do if you've been arrested for your first OUI in Portland?

  Get in touch with a lawyer right away if you've been detained in Portland for your first OUI. Write down every aspect of the arrest while it is still fresh in your mind since even the smallest detail may be crucial to your defense. First-time DUI or OUI offenders may face harsh penalties, such as fines, license suspensions, and possibly jail time. Hence, it's crucial to have a lawyer at your side who can represent you in court and guide you through the legal system.

• How soon can you get your driver's license back if you have been convicted of a DUI in Portland?

  If you have been convicted of a first-offense drunk driving charge in Portland, your driver's license will be suspended for 150 days. The duration of suspension increases for subsequent convictions, ranging from three years for a second conviction to six years for subsequent offenses. The court will also consider your DUI offenses for the past 10 years. To potentially reduce your license suspension period, you can consider installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

• What is the punishment for assault in Portland?

  The punishment for committing assault in Portland varies depending on the severity of the offense. If charged with a Class D misdemeanor, an individual can receive a maximum of one year in prison, pay a $300 to $2,000 fine, or be placed on probation. However, if charged with a Class A felony, which is the most serious offense, the offender may face a maximum of 30 years in prison.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.