Maine criminal charge
Domestic violence assault in Maine
Domestic violence assault is a criminal offense under Maine law, defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 207-A. Its classification is not fixed: Maine assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 207-A.
What is the penalty for domestic violence assault in Maine?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (Domestic violence assault — basic offense — The person violates section 207 (assault) and the victim is a family or household member or dating partner.; the statutory maximum is 'less than one year' (17-A M.R.S. §1604(1)(D)); individual statutes may specify a different maximum) | discretionary | 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 |
| Fine | up to $2,000 (Domestic violence assault — basic offense — The person violates section 207 (assault) and the victim is a family or household member or dating partner.; maximum for an individual (17-A M.R.S. §1704(4)); organizations up to $10,000 (§1705); statute-specific fines may differ) | discretionary | 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 |
Applies to current (PL 2019, c. 113 recodification).
How is domestic violence assault classified in Maine?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence assault — basic offense | Class D Crime | The person violates section 207 (assault) and the victim is a family or household member or dating partner. | 17-A M.R.S. § 207-A(1)(A) |
Common questions about domestic violence assault in Maine
What class of crime is domestic violence assault in Maine?
Domestic violence assault is a Class D Crime in Maine under 17-A M.R.S. § 207-A.
Domestic violence assault — basic offense: Class D Crime (17-A M.R.S. § 207-A(1)(A))
What are the penalties for domestic violence assault in Maine?
Penalties for domestic violence assault in Maine depend on how it is classified — from a Class D Crime up to a Class D Crime — with the ranges set by 17-A M.R.S. § 1604; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Maine statute covers domestic violence assault?
Domestic violence assault is governed by 17-A M.R.S. § 207-A (Domestic violence assault).
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.