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Those accused of grand larceny in Portland, Maine are likely confused and concerned. You have multiple options when charged with a crime, which include negotiating a plea agreement or contesting the charges at trial.  The decision as to how to proceed is important so we have set forth below certain information you need to know. What is Grand… Read more »

In Maine, sentencing for drug charges depends on the type of drug (Schedule W, X, Y, or Z), the amount possessed, and the activity involved (e.g., trafficking, manufacturing, etc.). Other factors, like criminal history, play into sentencing as well. These other factors may be “aggravating factors,” which elevate the level of the crime and require judges to impose a… Read more »

Unless you know someone or you’ve been through the criminal process yourself, you may find yourself lost. This is understandable, given the multiple hearing dates, notices, and foreign terminology. This article seeks to help you through Maine’s criminal process by laying it out step-by-step, from arrest to sentencing. Arrest Officers have authority to arrest a suspect for a crime upon finding probable cause… Read more »

There are a few laws to be aware of when it comes to federal drug trafficking charges in Portland, Maine. In fact, you might not realize that you do not even have to be caught selling drugs to get a trafficking charge. For instance, after a stop by the police sometimes drug dogs are called… Read more »

At the Law Office of Richard S. Berne, we have over 40+ years of experience providing criminal defense charges. Over the years, we have learned that certain assault charges are without merit and that false accusations run rampant in the court system. There are several layers of complexity when fighting an assault charge, yet our team is… Read more »

Embezzlement is a unique kind of property theft defined by the conditions of access and trust. While the majority of embezzlement cases are for big money, Maine law defines it as taking anything of value, money or property, from someone who has entrusted their money or items to your care. This means that even if you took… Read more »

Maine is one of the most conflicted states to have successfully legalized marijuana and its policies on recreational use reflect this. There have been arguments, recounts, and the final successful referendum was passed against the wishes of the standing Governor who has made it clear that he will continue to oppose legalization. Even municipalities are preparing to locally ban… Read more »

If the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sent you a notice that you are now deemed a Maine Habitual Offender, what does that mean? What happens if you continue to drive anyway? This article will help you answer these questions. Becoming a Maine Habitual Offender Under state law, a person becomes a Maine Habitual Offender… Read more »

No matter how adamantly the police pursue evidence to close drug cases, the laws of search and seizure apply to everyone universally, including people who are accused of drug-related crimes. Every American citizen and legal resident has a right to a reasonable amount of personal privacy that cannot be invaded unless the police have a… Read more »

A conspiracy is criminal charge involving a plot between two or more people to commit crime at a future date, or achieving a legal outcome in an illegal fashion. For example, two inmates who become embroiled in an attempt to assassinate a prison guard on their next shift commit conspiracy. If a contractor and subcontractor… Read more »