Maine criminal charge
Causing a catastrophe in Maine
Causing a catastrophe is a Class A Crime under Maine criminal law, defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 803-A. As a Class A Crime, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Maine sets for that offense class. Maine classifies crimes as Class A through Class E — it does not use the words felony or misdemeanor. Default maximum terms and fines are set by 17-A M.R.S. §1604 and §1704; murder is unclassified and sentenced separately under 17-A M.R.S. §1603.
Defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 803-A.
What is the penalty for causing a catastrophe in Maine?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 30 years (statutory default maximum (17-A M.R.S. §1604(1)(A)); individual statutes may specify a different maximum, and mandatory minimums apply to certain crimes (e.g. use of a firearm against an individual, §1604(3))) | discretionary | 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 |
| Fine | up to $50,000 (maximum for an individual (17-A M.R.S. §1704(1)); organizations up to $100,000 (§1705); statute-specific and alternative fines may exceed (§1706)) | discretionary | 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 |
Applies to current (PL 2019, c. 113 recodification).
Common questions about causing a catastrophe in Maine
What class of crime is causing a catastrophe in Maine?
Causing a catastrophe is a Class A Crime in Maine under 17-A M.R.S. § 803-A.
What are the penalties for causing a catastrophe in Maine?
As a Class A Crime, causing a catastrophe carries up to 30 years (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $50,000 (no mandatory minimum) under 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 (current (PL 2019, c. 113 recodification)).
Which Maine statute covers causing a catastrophe?
Causing a catastrophe is governed by 17-A M.R.S. § 803-A (Causing a catastrophe).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.