Portland Protection Order Lawyer | Maine Harassment Attorney
In Maine, a protection order is called a “protection from abuse order.” There’s also a protection from harassment order that can be filed in non-violent cases. These orders name a person that the alleged victim is to be protected from. Perhaps there has been an abuse filing against that person leading to the establishment of the order, whether there is legitimacy to the claim or not.
Regardless of why the claim exists, it’s important for an individual accused of abuse or harassment to defend themselves. Many times, children are involved, the defendant is made to leave their home, and there are certain places that the defendant can’t enter. Having a Portland protection order lawyer help you handle the case can make a major difference in whether the order sticks or doesn’t.
Types Of Protection Orders
There are two types of protection orders. They are the 21-day order and the 2-year order. The 21-day order is established when the court determines that the alleged conduct agrees with the law’s definition of harassment or abuse. This temporary order will state that the subject of the order can’t come near the alleged defendant at home or their place of work or contact them in any way. Doing so will warrant an arrest.
The 2-year order protects the alleged victim for a two-year period.
Protection Order Violations
Maine Law Title 17-A, §506-B states that violation is a protective order is a Class D misdemeanor but it can be a Class C felony if there has been a previous violation. Violations occur when the terms of the order are violated, such as contacting the alleged victim on the phone or over the internet.
The penalties for a Class D misdemeanor violation of a protection order is up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. The penalties for a Class C felony violation of a protection order is up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
The accusation is serious and can have an impact on your criminal record or future, so it’s important to be represented by an experienced criminal attorney immediately.
Contact A Portland Protection Order Lawyer
If you have been named in a protection orders, it’s important that you seek the representation of an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights. Your home, children, and other factors can be involved, as well as arrest if the order is violated, even accidentally. To learn more about your rights and options, call the Law Office of Richard Berne at 207-871-7770 to request a free consultation.