Maine law

Criminal Defense Laws in Maine.

Maine classifies criminal offenses using a Class system: Classes A, B, and C are felonies, while Classes D and E are misdemeanors. Maine does not have traditional expungement but allows limited record sealing for certain Class E convictions. Maine uses the term OUI (Operating Under the Influence) rather than DUI.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

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State law

Statute of Limitations

No limit for murder; 6 years for most felonies; 3 years for misdemeanors17-A M.R.S. § 8

Murder and criminal homicide have no statute of limitations. Class A, B, and C crimes (felonies) must be prosecuted within 6 years. Class D and E crimes (misdemeanors) must be prosecuted within 3 years.

Exceptions

Sexual Offenses — 20 years17-A M.R.S. § 8

Prosecutions for unlawful sexual contact or gross sexual assault (Class A, B, or C) must be commenced within 20 years.

Sexual Offenses Against Minors Under 16 — No limit17-A M.R.S. § 8

There is no statute of limitations for sexual contact or abuse offenses where the victim was under 16 years of age.

State law

Key Maine Statutes

Crime Classification and Sentencing17-A M.R.S. § 1604

Maine classifies crimes by class: Class A felonies carry up to 30 years; Class B up to 10 years; Class C up to 5 years; Class D misdemeanors up to 364 days and $2,000 fine; Class E misdemeanors up to 6 months and $1,000 fine.

Record Sealing (Class E Convictions)15 M.R.S. § 2263

Maine allows sealing of Class E conviction records (not expungement) if the person was 18–27 at the time of the offense, 4 years have passed since completing the sentence, and there have been no subsequent convictions. Sexual assault convictions are excluded.

OUI (Operating Under the Influence)29-A M.R.S. § 2411

A first OUI offense is a Class D crime with a minimum $500 fine, 150-day license suspension, and potential jail time (48 hours mandatory if BAC is .15% or higher). A third offense within 10 years is a Class C felony with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Right to Counsel15 M.R.S. § 810

A person charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment is entitled to be represented by an attorney. If the person cannot afford one, the court will appoint counsel.

State law

Official Sources

Maine State Legislature — Criminal Code Maine Judicial Branch

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Maine.

Criminal Defense Laws in Maine.

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Statute of Limitations

Key Maine Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Other state law topics.