Maine Class E Misdemeanors 

In Maine, crimes are classified under the system outlined in the Maine Criminal Code (17-A M.R.S.), which divides offenses into five categories, ranging from Class A to Class E, based on severity rather than strictly adhering to the traditional felony-misdemeanor divide found in many states. 

While the code itself avoids formal "felony" and "misdemeanor" labels, these terms are commonly applied for clarity. Classes A, B, and C are treated as felony-level offenses which are punishable by more than one year in state prison, with possible life imprisonment for Class A. Classes D and E function as misdemeanor-level crimes, which may involve up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both (17-A M.R.S. § 1604(2)).

This structure helps determine not only penalties but also court procedures, such as whether a case is heard in Superior Court (for A to C) or District Court (for D to E), as well as long-term impacts like restrictions on voting rights or employment. Understanding this classification matters because it influences everything from bail eligibility to sentencing alternatives like probation, allowing individuals to better navigate potential consequences without stigma. The system fits punishment to the offense, minimizing lasting hardship and stigma. Understanding consequences like probation and criminal record effects helps people handle their cases effectively and access relevant court records.

Common Examples of Class E Misdemeanors in Maine

Class E misdemeanors are the least serious criminal offenses in Maine, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Typical examples include:

• Theft of property valued at $500 or less or shoplifting small items
• Criminal Mischief causing $500 or less in damage such as minor vandalism
• Disorderly Conduct such as loud, disruptive behavior in public
• Assault involving offensive physical contact without injury like simple pushing or shoving
• Possession of Marijuana (up to 2.5 ounces for adults, in certain contexts)
• Operating Under the Influence (OUI) with no aggravating factors and no prior convictions
• Violating a Protective Order (minor violations)
• Unlawful Possession of Scheduled Drugs such as small amounts of certain substances

It is important to note that exact classification can depend on circumstances, prior record, or local ordinances.

Statute of Limitations for Class E Misdemeanors in Maine

In Maine, Class E crimes function as misdemeanors under 17-A M.R.S. § 8(2), with prosecutors required to file charges within 3 years after the offense is committed. This begins on the date of the crime's commission (17-A M.R.S. § 8(6)), but tolls if the accused is absent from the state for up to 5 extra years, conceals the offense, or during certain investigations or out-of-state prosecutions.

Notable exceptions apply to specific Class E offenses, such as

Legal Penalties for Class E Misdemeanors

In Maine, Class E misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 per 17-A M.R.S. §1604. Judges commonly impose suspended jail time with 1 to 2 years of probation, conditions such as counseling, community service, typically between 20 to 100 hours, or restitution instead of active incarceration.

Additional consequences may include court costs, surcharges, license suspension, especially for OUI, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and firearm ownership rights. Penalties vary widely based on criminal history, circumstances, and judicial discretion.

Court Process for Class E Misdemeanors

Class E misdemeanor cases in Maine typically follow these steps:

• Arrest or Summons: Here, an individual receives a citation or is arrested and released with a court date.
• Arraignment: First court appearance; charges are read, the individual enters a plea such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest, and bail conditions are set.
• Pre-Trial Phase:  If the individual pleads not guilty, a public defender may be appointed. Discovery occurs and many cases resolve via plea negotiations or filing agreements like reduced charge or dismissal upon conditions.
• Disposition: Most resolve with a guilty plea or dismissal. If contested, a short bench trial (judge only) or jury trial (rare for Class E) is held.
• Sentencing: Immediately after plea or trial; often probation, fine, or suspended jail time.

Timelines are quick, often resolved in 1 to 4 months. Procedures differ slightly between District Court locations. Local courts vary in pace and practices. One may consult the specific court or an attorney

How Class E Misdemeanors Affect Your Criminal Record

A Class E misdemeanor conviction in Maine becomes part of your permanent Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal history record. It appears on standard background checks conducted by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and federal agencies. The record shows the charge, conviction date, sentence, and disposition. Practical effects include employers denying the offender jobs, especially in finance, education, healthcare, or positions requiring bonding. Professional licenses like nursing, real estate, etc. and security clearances may also be delayed or revoked. Housing applications and firearm purchases may also be rejected.

Per 15 M.R.S. §2161–2167, Maine allows limited sealing of certain Class E convictions like possession of marijuana ≤2.5 oz after 3 to 10 years if no new convictions occur. Most other Class E crimes are not eligible for sealing or expungement. Deferred dispositions, if successfully completed, result in dismissal and may be set aside, but the arrest still appears unless separately petitioned. Impact varies as some employers overlook minor misdemeanors, while regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and finance often restrict hiring. Always verify current law, as record policies evolve.

Differences Between Class E Misdemeanors and Other Offenses

In Maine, criminal offenses are divided into felonies (Classes A to D) and misdemeanors (Classes D and E). Class E is the least serious misdemeanor and the lowest-level crime overall.

• Class E misdemeanor: Maximum penalty is up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine (17-A M.R.S. § 1604(1)(E)).
• Class D misdemeanor: More serious; up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class C felony: Up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine.
• Class B felony: Up to 10 years and $20,000 fine.
• Class A felony: Up to 30 years (or life for murder) and $50,000 fine.

Class E crimes such as minor theft under $500, simple OUI with no aggravating factors, criminal mischief, typically involve no or minimal jail time for first offenders, often resolved with fines, probation, or conditional discharge, making them significantly less severe than Class E misdemeanors or any felony.

How to Check for Class E Misdemeanors in Court Records

Individuals may check for any misdemeanor court records through the following methods.

• Online (free, limited): Use the Maine Judicial Branch “Public Access Search”. Search can be carried out by name or case number for District Court criminal cases (where misdemeanors are handled). Older cases or sealed records may not appear.
• Online (more complete, fee-based): The Maine State Bureau of Identification offers official criminal history record checks. Requesters are required to pay a fee of $31 for name-based searches and $51 for fingerprint-based searches.
• In person: Visit the clerk’s office at the local District Court where the case was heard. Paper records and some electronic dockets are available for public inspection.

Procedures and fees vary by court location. Sealed, juvenile, or expunged records are not publicly accessible. For the most accurate results, contact the relevant court or the Bureau directly. 

Can a Class E Misdemeanor Be Expunged or Sealed in Maine?

In Maine, true expungement, such as complete erasure of records, is unavailable for adult criminal convictions, including Class E misdemeanors, the state's least serious offenses. Instead, eligible records can be sealed, restricting public access while keeping them visible to law enforcement and certain agencies. Maine's focus on sealing applies only to nonviolent Class E crimes, excluding sexual assaults. Certain convictions, like violent ones, never qualify. Sealing boosts employment prospects by hiding the record from most background checks, eases housing applications, and restores civil rights like voting. General eligibility requires completion of the sentence, no pending charges, and no subsequent convictions during the waiting period.