Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. As a Maine defense attorney, I understand that one of the best ways to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with this process is to have a clear understanding of what to expect in court. In this post, I aim to shed light on the different aspects of the legal process in Maine, focusing on what defendants can generally expect when they find themselves in a courtroom. 1. Arraignment: Upon your initial appearance in court, a judge will formally read the charges against you and inquire about your plea. Your plea can be guilty, not guilty or no contest. No contest is where you do not contest the charges but you are not admitting guilty. It is important to understand that a person who pleads no contest will be convicted and sentenced exactly the same as a person that pleads guilty. I often see people use a no contest plea as a sort of moral victory. Agreeing to be convicted without a fight is not…Read More
As a Maine defense attorney, one of the most common reasons people contact my office is due to a traffic stop. While many people believe that traffic violations are pretty minor, they can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges. Understanding Maine's traffic stop laws is critical if you have been cited for a traffic violation. First, it's important to understand that in Maine, police officers can stop you for a traffic violation or for suspicion of a criminal offense. When you are pulled over, the officer will typically ask to see your license and registration, as well as proof of insurance. You are also obligated to provide the officer with this documentation. You may be wondering what your rights are during a traffic stop in Maine. It's important to remember that you have the right to remain silent during a traffic stop and that you do not need to answer any questions. You also do not need to consent to field sobriety tests or a search of your…Read More
Maine has some of the strictest theft laws in the country. If you have been charged with theft in Maine, it is critical that you understand the potential consequences and your options for defending yourself. This is where a skilled and experienced theft defense attorney can provide invaluable help. In Maine, theft occurs when a person wrongfully takes, obtains, or withholds property from its owner, with the intent the permanently deprive the owner of the property, without the owner's permission or consent. Depending on the value of the stolen property and other factors, theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense. The penalties for theft in Maine can include fines, community service, probation, and even imprisonment. If you have been charged with theft, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled defense attorney will work with you to understand the specifics of your case, the charges against you, and the potential consequences of a criminal conviction. Your attorney will also explore all possible…Read More
A common question that I get asked is "how long will something show up on record?" Like many legal questions, the answer can be more complicated than you might expect. In Maine, criminal convictions are on your criminal record forever. There are no provisions for criminal convictions disappearing or being wiped away after a set number of years. A related concept is the look back period for enhanced criminal charges. You may have heard of an OUI with a prior offense, or a drug charge being aggravated because of prior convictions. The use of prior convictions to enhance subsequent charges is based upon the applicable statutory look back period. It is important to understand that a prior conviction remains on your record forever, even if it no longer falls within the look back period. As an example, a person with a prior OUI conviction that is more than 10 years old, can no longer be subject to an enhanced charge because the prior is no longer within the look back period. However, the prior offense…Read More
If you're facing a divorce, you should get the best lawyer to help you through the process. The Law Office of William Ashe offers instant access to one of the best divorce attorneys in the country. I come up in most searches for the best divorce lawyer near me in my local area on the merit of my past cases. My law office prioritizes each client I represent to get the best results. Here are five frequently asked questions about divorce: 1. How Do I File For A Divorce? A divorce legally ends your union/marriage and requires the completion of specific paperwork. Each state has unique divorce laws, so you should check the local requirements for divorce filing. I work with clients in Maine at the Law Office of William Ashe. I have knowledge and experience of the state's laws for filling and serving papers and notifying spouses. You must be a resident of Maine to file a divorce with the state's courts. 2. How Long Will My Divorce Take? You must stay in Maine…Read More
Operating under the influence (OUI) is a crime that can lead to collateral consequences and serious penalties. Most defendants hire defense attorneys to represent them in a criminal court when facing an OUI charge. I am an attorney with specialized OUI experience to mount an effective defense to beat the charges. Here is how I will help you with your OUI charges. You Need A Lawyer To Go To Trial You have the right to represent yourself when charged with an OUI offense. But self-representation is never a good idea. Lack of trial skills and knowledge is a huge disadvantage in court. You must have considerable experience in trial practice to understand court rules. Judges also usually have little patience for defendants who represent themselves. The bottom line is you need to hire an attorney if your case is going to trial. Legal support can help individuals to answer questions that officers ask at the local department. The attorney will help to explain what should be collected for evidence and collect it to help with…Read More
Divorce is usually a financially and emotionally draining process. The best divorce lawyer near me can make the process easier by providing sound advice to help you through the difficult phase. I am a lawyer with a good track record and the compassion and tenacity needed to make your voice heard. Find out how Ashe Law Office will help you through your divorce. Ready To Answer All Your Questions The best lawyer should apply their expertise and knowledge to match your situation. If you have questions about your divorce, such as the division of assets, they should offer you legal advice and realistic outcomes. There may have been a shortcoming in the marriage. Proper paperwork may not have been filed, a legal requirement met, or a proper ceremony performed to legalize the marriage. They will discuss if legal separation or divorce is the best option for you and your spouse. A reputable attorney will answer questions that arise after negotiations have started with your spouse. I am an attorney with experience representing individuals in family…Read More
Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming. The violation of your rights while undergoing trial worsens the ordeal. Having the right defense attorneys in Maine protects your innocence and your rights. At the Law Office of William Ashe, your case is handled fairly and favorably. Using the following methods, I assist in safeguarding your rights: Protecting You From Unfair Prosecution A good defense lawyer defends clients from unjust prosecution. My top objective at the Law Office of William Ashe is to protect your right to a fair trial. Navigating the criminal court system without a competent defense lawyer may be difficult. As your attorney, I protect you against any unfair trial in which evidence in your favor is ignored. While I investigate the charges against you, I will closely monitor your case to verify that the system overlooks no elements of the prosecution. As your defense attorney, I seriously examine the prosecution's evidence against you. This includes visiting the alleged crime scene, interviewing witnesses, reviewing the official documents, and cross-examining physical proof. The evidence…Read More
If your underage daughter or son is facing court prosecution, you want the best possible outcome for them as a parent. Criminal charges can make it difficult for your child to get into college and find employment. If you search "top criminal defense attorneys near me," William Ashe will be one of the most qualified results. With vast experience in juvenile cases, I can help you handle the charges. Knowledge The best attorney needs to be familiar with the court judges who they may appear before. They need to know the steps involved in processing the case, scheduling, postponements, and assignments. Such a lawyer will have an advantage when defending your child since they will be well prepared. A knowledgeable lawyer will have acquired useful information on the consequences of a conviction and the prosecutor's tactics. Familiarity helps them prepare their clients' records and avoid a sentence or prosecution. I have represented many individuals in criminal cases ranging from traffic violations to homicide. Our law firm has a strong performance history, with countless charges dismissed…Read More
Looking up "top criminal defense attorneys near me" when charged with a criminal case can help you avoid unfair prosecution. The right lawyer can help you build a solid defense to support your case and protect your rights. Contact William Ashe at the Ashe Law Offices whenever you need legal representation. I work hard to give my clients the best possible outcomes for their cases. Here are some reasons to work with me: Commitment Some lawyers, especially those in large law firms, pass clients around when their caseloads increase. In such a case, you may have to explain your situation repeatedly to different lawyers. This can be risky since the different lawyers may not receive key information regarding the case. You never have to worry about dealing with different lawyers when you hire me, as I handle all my cases from start to finish. Ashe Law Office offers free consultations, which I use to understand my clients' cases and determine the best course of action. I'm present in all my clients' meetings with the police…Read More
