Maine has two levels of misdemeanor criminal offenses: Class E and Class D misdemeanors crimes.

Class E misdemeanors are the lowest level criminal offense in the State of Maine.

The maximum penalty for a Class E misdemeanor is up to 180 days in jail and a $1000.00 fine.

Some Class E misdemeanor convictions contain mandatory minimum penalties, such the Class E misdemeanor offense of Driving to Endanger, which carries a minimum penalty of a $575.00 fine and 30 day loss of license.

Probation is general not available on Class E misdemeanor offenses, except for a few limited charges, or unless the State and defendant enter a written agreement that the facts and circumstances of the underlying criminal conduct generated probable cause to believe the person had committed a felony. The maximum period of probation for a Class E offense is 1 year.

Class D misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail and $2000.00 fine.

Some Class D misdemeanors involve mandatory minimum sentences, such as OUI offenses, which carry mandatory minimum penalty of a $500.00 fine and 150 loss of license. 

Probation is more readily available for Class D misdemeanors. Many Class D misdemeanor convictions are eligible for a period of probation, including all misdemeanor offenses committed against a family or household member, such as domestic violence assault.

The maximum period of probation on a Class D misdemeanor is 1 year, expect for domestic offenses, which carry a two year period of probation.

There is an automatic right to a jury trial before a jury of 12 on all Maine misdemeanor charges.

Collateral Consequences on Misdemeanor Convictions.

Some Class D misdemeanor convictions a carry a life-time ban on a person’s right to own or possess a firearm. Domestic violence assault, terrorizing, or threatening misdemeanors involve both a state and federal prohibition on gun ownership and possession.

Both Class E or D misdemeanor convictions can result in deportation if a person is not a U.S. citizen.