Maine legal term
Unlawful in Maine Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Maine legislative session
In Maine criminal law, “Unlawful” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Maine criminal code.
What does “Unlawful” mean in Maine criminal law?
"Unlawful" means not expressly authorized by statute. (17-A M.R.S. § 952)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Aggravated unlawful gambling
- Aggravated unlawful operation of a methamphetamine laboratory
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Possession of firearms prohibited for certain persons
- Possession of gambling devices
- Possession of gambling records
- Possession or transfer of burglar's tools
- Special sentencing provisions for gross sexual assault
- Summons and Complaint
- Suspension or revocation of license, title, registration or fuel use decal
- Unlawful assembly
- Unlawful dissemination of confidential criminal history record information
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.