Most people have seen hundreds of jury trials without ever actually seeing one. We've watched them in movies and on television. The prosecutor dramatically points at the defendant. A witness suddenly confesses. The defense lawyer discovers a surprise piece of evidence in the middle of cross-e...
You've been charged with a crime. You're scared. You're confused. You want to know what's going to happen. So what do you do? You Google it. You ask ChatGPT. You call your mom. You text the friend who "knows a guy" who went through something similar. You find a Reddit thread from six years a...
One of the most common misconceptions about criminal defense is that you only need a great lawyer if you didn't commit the crime. That's simply not true. In fact, when a client tells me, "I did it," my response isn't that there is nothing I can do. That's often when the real work begins. Af...
Can I Use ChatGPT to Defend Myself Against a Criminal Charge? ChatGPT can do some impressive things. Defending you against a criminal charge should not be one of them. If you've been charged with a crime, you may be tempted to type the allegations into ChatGPT, ask what your defenses are, and s...
If you have been charged with a crime, there are plenty of people you may want to talk to. Your lawyer should be at the top of that list. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and X should be at the bottom. One of the first things I tell clients is simple: do not discuss your case online. Don...
Anxiety as a Defendant: A Normal Response to an Unfamiliar System Being charged with a crime is one of the most anxiety-producing experiences a person can face. As a Maine defense attorney, I see this every day. Even people who have never had contact with the criminal justice system before sudde...
The Rights of the Accused After Criminal Charges Are Filed in Maine Once criminal charges are filed in Maine, the case enters a formal legal process with defined rules and protections. At that point, your rights are no longer theoretical—they are active, enforceable, and critically important. As...
Understanding the Different Types of Evidence in a Criminal Case When people think about criminal cases, they often imagine dramatic courtroom moments or a single piece of “smoking gun” evidence. In reality, criminal cases in Maine are built from many different types of evidence, each with its o...
What to Do If a Police Officer Leaves a Message on Your Phone Few things create instant anxiety like seeing a voicemail from a police officer. Your mind jumps straight to worst-case scenarios. As a Maine defense attorney, here is the most important thing to know right away: you are not required ...
Why Calling a Defense Attorney Should Be the First Thing You Do After Being Charged Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. The natural reaction is to worry, spiral, or start searching the internet for answers. As a defense attorney, I can tell you this plainly: the single most important thi...
Understanding Probation Violations in Maine Probation is often presented as a second chance—an opportunity to stay out of jail while complying with court-ordered conditions. But in Maine, probation violations are a common way people find themselves back in court and, in many cases, back in custo...
Can I Refuse to Do Roadside Testing in Maine? If you are stopped on suspicion of operating under the influence in Maine, you may be asked to perform roadside tests. Clients often ask me afterward, “Did I have to do that?”The answer is clear: yes, you can refuse—and you should always refuse roads...
Can You Refuse to Let Police Search Your House in Maine? As a Maine defense attorney, one of the most important things I tell clients is this: your home has the strongest constitutional protections of anywhere you can be. In most situations, yes—you absolutely can refuse to let police search you...
Can You Refuse to Let Police Search Your Car in Maine? One of the most common questions I hear as a Maine defense attorney is simple: Can I say no if the police ask to search my car?In most situations, the answer is yes—you can refuse, and doing so is often the smart legal choice. Under both th...
Understanding Search and Seizure Law in Maine: What Every Defendant Should Know Search and seizure law sits at the heart of criminal defense work in Maine. Many cases rise or fall not on what the police found, but on how they found it. As a defense attorney, one of my first questions is often si...
What Happens at Arraignment If you've been charged with a crime in Maine, your first court appearance is usually an arraignment. For many people, this is unfamiliar territory and understandably stressful. Knowing what to expect can take some of the edge off. An arraignment is not a trial, and i...
Why Going to Trial Might Be the Best Decision You Ever Make Accepting a plea deal can feel like a guaranteed way to limit damage and move on. But too often, it's a decision made out of fear—not justice. Trials, while daunting, offer something plea deals never will: the chance to tell the full st...
When a Plea Deal Is the Smartest Move You Can Make Trials can be powerful tools for justice—but they're not always the wisest option. In some cases, accepting a well-negotiated plea bargain is not just practical, it's strategic. The courtroom is unpredictable. Even with a strong defense, the ou...
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Maine Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Whether it's an OUI in Bangor, a DV Assault in Ellsworth, a theft in Machias or a drug crime in Belfast, the outcome of your case can signif...
As a Maine defense attorney, I have seen firsthand how drug charges can drastically affect the lives of individuals and their families. Whether you're facing charges for possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing, drug cases can carry severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and...
The rise of Zoom in courtrooms across Maine and the rest of the country is one of the most significant changes in the legal world in recent years. As a Maine criminal lawyer, I've seen firsthand how the shift to virtual hearings has transformed both the logistics and dynamics of legal proceedings. Wha...
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you're facing criminal charges or a serious legal matter. As a defense attorney practicing in Maine, I've encountered many clients who initially consider representing themselves in court. While it might seem like a way to save money...
A jury trial is one of the cornerstones of the American legal system, ensuring that individuals are judged fairly by a group of their peers. For those facing criminal charges in Maine, understanding the jury trial process can be crucial in making informed decisions about their case. As a defense ...
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Maine, the importance of choosing the right defense attorney cannot be overstated. Criminal accusations can drastically impact your life, so having a skilled and experienced lawyer by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of ...
As a criminal defense attorney in Maine, one of the most important stages of a criminal case is the Dispositional Conference (DC). Whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony charges, understanding this process can significantly impact the outcome of your case. In this blog post, I'll explain ...
