Maine statute
17-A M.R.S. § 552 — Nonsupport of dependents
Current through First Special Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature (current through October 1, 2025)
Part of Chapter 23: Offenses Against the Family, Maine Revised Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of 17-A M.R.S. § 552
Statutory text current through the First Special Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature (current through October 1, 2025). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the Maine Revised Statutes from the Revisor of Statutes' official published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Maine and has not been certified by the Secretary of State.
1. A person is guilty of nonsupport of dependents if he knowingly fails to provide support which he is able by means of property or capacity for labor to provide and which he knows he is legally obliged to provide to a spouse, child or other person declared by law to be his dependent.
2. As used in this section, "support" includes but is not limited to food, shelter, clothing and other necessary care.
2-A. Prosecution may be brought in any venue where either the dependent or the defendant resides.
3. Nonsupport of dependents is a Class E crime.
4. A person placed on probation as a result of a violation of this section may be placed under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the period of probation may extend to the time when the youngest dependent attains the age of 18.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.