Maine criminal charge
Tampering with public records or information in Maine
Tampering with public records or information is a Class D Crime under Maine criminal law, defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 456. As a Class D 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. § 456.
What is the penalty for tampering with public records or information in Maine?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (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 (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).
Common questions about tampering with public records or information in Maine
What class of crime is tampering with public records or information in Maine?
What are the penalties for tampering with public records or information in Maine?
As a Class D Crime, tampering with public records or information carries up to 364 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000 (no mandatory minimum) under 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 (current (PL 2019, c. 113 recodification)).
Which Maine statute covers tampering with public records or information?
Tampering with public records or information is governed by 17-A M.R.S. § 456 (Tampering with public records or information).
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.