Maine Misdemeanors

Maine Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors can vary from state to state. A misdemeanor in one state may be an infraction in another and where a misdemeanor in one state may be a felony in another. In Maine misdemeanors and felonies have classifications from A to E. But in the state of Maine, misdemeanors and felonies are not called misdemeanors and felonies. Instead the crimes are grouped into a single category.

Crime Classifications
By other state standards Class A Crimes, Class B Crimes, and Class C Crimes would be felony convictions and Class D Crimes and Class E Crimes would be misdemeanor convictions. The least severe start with the E class and as the crimes become more severe as they increase in class. Misdemeanor offenses can become felony offenses if certain objects are used in assault or there is a specific amount of drugs in possession. Some of these include criminal possession of a usable of amount of marijuana. A usable amount equals under two and one half ounces of marijuana. This is a civil violation with a fine anywhere between three hundred fifty dollars and six hundred dollars. A more severe punishment may follow a repeated violation if it takes place within six months of the first violation.

A cultivation crime is the possession of five or fewer plants and is classified as a Class E Crime. Punishments under this kind of crime classification include up to six months in a county jail facility with or without a fine of up to one thousand dollars. Possession anywhere between five to one hundred plants constitutes a Class D Crime, which is punishable by up to a year in a county jail with or without a two thousand-dollar fine. The possession of one hundred to five hundred plants is a Class C Crime. This kind of felony is punishable by up to five years in a state prison and up to five hundred dollars in fines. The possession of more than five hundred plants is a Class B Crime and is punishable by ten years in a state prison with or without a twenty thousand-dollar fine.

The sale of less than a pound of marijuana is a Class D Crime and can have up to a year of jail sentencing with or without a fine of two thousand dollars. A Class C Crime holds the sale of marijuana in the weight of one pound to twenty pounds and is punishable by up to five years in a state prison and a fine of five thousand dollars. A Class B Crime is the highest drug offense punishment with up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to twenty thousand dollars. The sale of twenty pounds of marijuana or more constitutes this crime classification.

Maine Crime Expungement
For the most part all records on court, detention or correctional facility, law enforcement, or criminal justice agency files can be expunged. All records concerning an arrest, detention, apprehension, or trial can be expunged. However violent crimes cannot be expunged.

See also:
Maine Felony External link (opens in new window)
Maine Expungement External link (opens in new window)
Maine Gun Laws External link (opens in new window)