Classification of Crimes in Maine


Maine Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested for a crime in Maine, it is important to understand the consequences that you may be facing. In the state of Maine, the severity of a crime is measured by a code classification system. Each code comes with its own minimum and maximum sentences. Several of the codes are felonies and some are misdemeanors. For every criminal offense, there is a set of minimum and maximum penalties.

Maine Criminal Sentencing

When a person is convicted of a crime, they are subject to be sentenced by the judge. For the most part their sentence depends on the judge's discretion but guidelines are set based on the criminal classification of the offense. These classifications provide minimum and maximum guidelines for fines and jail time. A judge can also make the decision to include probation, community service and more.

Usually, the judge will look at the facts of the case and any aggravating factors that were involved. The judge will also take the offender's criminal record, and social history into consideration. In some cases the victim or victim's family will also give input for the judge's consideration. For many crimes there are mandatory minimum sentences that must be dealt out.

The most severe sentence a person can receive is a life sentence. The State of Maine does not use the death penalty. Some crimes, like murder, have their own special classification. Murder cases usually result in a sentence of 25 years to life in jail.

Criminal Classifications in Maine

Maine has adopted a criminal classification system that it uses to set minimum and maximum jail time and fines for various offenses. The old classification of misdemeanor and felony crimes is no longer officially in use, though the terms are still used to explain the severity of a charge. This new system allows for more levels of penalties because it uses five different classes of crimes.

There are five criminal classification codes; A, B, C, D, and E. Class D and E offenses are the least serious codes and fall into the misdemeanor categories. Classes A, B, and C are the most serious and are felony offenses. It is important to understand what classification your charges are under and what penalties a conviction can lead to. Some crimes have special circumstances and do not fall into a category. Murder charges, for example, are punishable by 25 years to life in prison.

Class E

Class E crimes carry a maximum penalty of a fine of up to a $1000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 180 days of jail. It is the class used for the least serious offenses like operating on a suspended license, disorderly conduct and theft under $1,000. Along with Class D crimes, these charges are typically misdemeanors.

Class D

Class D offenses include domestic violence assault cases, assault and OUI/DUI/DWI (drunk driving) offenses. Class D offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 364 days of jail and a fine of up to $2000. If you simply plead guilty to a Class D offense, the judge can sentence you to the maximum penalty and you will have no recourse.

Class C

A Class C offense is the lowest level felony offense in Maine. An example of a Class C offense could be an Aggravated OUI where you may have 2 or more priors. It could be a felony habitual offender charge. It could be an Aggravated Criminal Mischief or felony theft. The maximum fine or penalty that could be imposed for a Class C conviction is up to 5 years of prison and/or $5000 in fines.

Class B

Class B offenses are extremely serious charges. This class of charges includes trafficking in drugs, sexual assault cases, aggravated assault cases and motor vehicle DUI involving serious bodily injury. Class B crimes include punishments up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Class A

Class A offenses are reserved for the most serious of crimes in the State of Maine such as manslaughter, gross sexual assault and aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs. The mandatory maximum penalty that can be imposed is up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000. If the charge is murder, the minimum sentence that can be imposed would be 25 years and up to life imprisonment.

Maine law has an extra caveat to the law if a weapon is involved. In circumstances where a dangerous weapon was used to commit the crime, the charges will be one class higher than average. For example, a domestic violence assault is usually a Class D crime, but if a gun was used during the assault, it will be charged as a Class C crime. If the crime was already a Class A, consideration for the use of the weapon will be taken when deciding a sentence.


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    My OUI and criminal speeding charges brought a great deal of stress and hardship to not only myself but my entire family. Having both of the charges against me dismissed was an absolute godsend. Once dropped, it felt as though a dark cloud that had been looming over my head had been lifted. I am deeply grateful for the services of attorney Bly. With attorney Bly’s help I was able to have a favorable outcome to a very trying situation. My case against the state of Maine took several months to resolve, but in the end turned out in my favor. During these months attorney Bly handled all correspondence with both the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the court system. I did not have the stress of worrying about multiple appearances and keeping tabs on court dates, correspondence, suspensions and other imposed stipulations. This was very important to me as I am frequently on the go and call California home. Attorney Bly also made sure to verify California state OUI laws so that I could know any and all potential impacts affecting my California driver’s license in the state of Maine. At times I felt rather discouraged in the court proceedings as they took several months to manifest, however placing my faith in attorney Bly and his knowledge of the justice system resulted in my case being dismissed. If you find yourself in a situation such as mine I encourage you to sit down and discuss your case with attorney Bly. He will go over the findings of your case and provide you realistic expectations on possible outcomes. My outcome was not expected. I had fully intended on being charged with either one or both of the charges against me from attorney Bly’s honest and forthright assessment of my case. With his help however, I was able to put this blemish in my judgment behind me and learn from my mistakes as I hope those reading do as well. Thanks, Nick

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