Criminal Defense in Portland, ME
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Portland, Maine attorney on your side.
These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time, and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Portland, ME is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Maine criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel.
As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Portland criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Portland, Maine
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Portland professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Portland, ME who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers who are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Portland you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times when a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Maine laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will allow you to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Portland, Maine you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine, and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
In Maine, there are no minimum probation durations specified. The maximum probation duration is 1 year for a misdemeanor and 4 years for a felony. However, when the victim is less than 12 years of age, the maximum probation duration for a felony is 18 years.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
In Portland, probation is administered by the Maine Department of Corrections. If the court sentences you to probation, you will be required to have regular meetings with your probation officer at the Portland Adult Community Corrections Office. Other conditions of probation can include monthly supervision payments, community service work, and substance abuse treatment.
Violation of these terms may result in revocation of probation by the Cumberland County District Court and imposition of the original jail sentence. However, if the first violation is a technical (non-crime) violation, alternative sanctions can be used. Specifically, verbal warnings or amended probation conditions may be ordered instead of jail time. Maine law gives you the right to a hearing with counsel before probation revocation can be ordered. Having a qualified Portland attorney can help ensure the best possible outcome at your hearing.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Portland, Maine criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Instead of reporting to a probation officer, individuals on parole must report to a parole officer. This officer outlines the conditions of your parole and monitors your compliance, providing updates to the court and the parole board. The parole officer is responsible for ensuring you follow the rules set for your release.
Parole refers to the period following incarceration during which an individual is conditionally released. Similar to probation, parole typically comes with numerous conditions that must be adhered to. These conditions are put in place to help ensure the individual’s reintegration into society while maintaining public safety.
Maine abolished parole in 1976, but probation functions as a form of conditional release in Portland. The Maine Department of Corrections supervises individuals who are released under conditions, ensuring that they meet the expectations laid out by the court. These conditions may include regular check-ins with a probation officer at home, work, or at the Portland Adult Community Corrections Office.
Additionally, parolees must comply with strict rules concerning the use of alcohol and drugs and must refrain from unlawful activities. If parole conditions are violated, the Director of the Department of Corrections may issue a warrant for arrest. Fortunately, individuals have the right to a parole revocation hearing with legal counsel. If the Maine Parole Board finds that a violation occurred, it can mandate the remainder of the sentence be served in prison.
Violating parole terms can result in the requirement to complete the rest of the sentence or more severe consequences. Depending on the nature of the violation, additional charges may be brought, leading to a longer prison term. In such cases, it is crucial to consult with a skilled Portland criminal defense attorney to help mitigate the potential for extended incarceration.
Work With an Experienced Local Portland, Maine Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Portland criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case.
By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Portland, ME criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maine state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.