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Find Maine Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Maine?

Yes, Maine criminal records are public information under the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Interested persons may obtain public criminal records from the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) for a fee. Generally, the Bureau encourages intending requesters to perform a criminal records search on the official online database. However, information from this database is limited to adult criminal convictions and juvenile felonies. Requesters seeking detailed records may look up criminal records in person or send a mail request.

To gain access to these records, requesters must provide the following information:

The record subject’s name (unless the subject is a juvenile)
The record subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Maine?

Maine criminal records, also known as rap sheets, are documents that contain information regarding a person’s interactions with the criminal justice system in Maine. Typically, a person enters the Maine criminal justice system following an arrest or indictment for an alleged crime. Until the court clears or convicts the individual, the system continues to collect information from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and correctional departments. The Maine Bureau of Identification (SBI) serves as the custodian for these records.

What Information Is Included in Maine Criminal Record?

Full name and aliases of the offender
Age
Fingerprints
Criminal charges
Plea
Physical description
Body markings such as tattoos and piercings
Information on previous arrests
Offenses committed or allegedly committed
Pending and acquitted charges

How To Check Criminal Records in Maine

There are three ways to obtain Maine criminal records. Most requesters opt for the online option because it is faster and relatively inexpensive. To perform a Maine criminal record search online, visit the official online database. The requester must provide the subject’s full name and date of birth to conduct a search. Each name-based search costs $31.00, payable via credit card, and typically takes two hours to process.

Persons who have trouble with an online search may obtain records by preparing a written request and submitting it to the SBI in person or via mail. The written request must contain the subject’s full name and date of birth. Additional helpful information may also be included. For mail requests, attach payment in the form of a check or money order, and send the request in a self-addressed stamped envelope via the US Postal Service.

Are Arrest Records Public in Maine?

Yes, Maine arrest records are public documents. Interested persons may obtain public arrest records from the arresting agency or the agency that has custody of the person of interest. If the arresting agency is a local law enforcement agency, public requests should be directed to that agency. If a state or federal agency made the arrest, requests should be directed to the respective agency.

Note that the public availability of arrest records is subject to the nature of the arrest. While arrest records are presumed open to the public under the Maine Freedom of Access Act, the statute restricts public access if releasing the record would jeopardize active criminal justice proceedings and investigations. In such cases, the requester must wait until the arrest record becomes public.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Maine?

A Maine arrest warrant is an official document signed and issued by a judge or magistrate in response to a sworn statement by law enforcement agents. It indicates that there is credible evidence and reasons to believe that a person is involved in criminal activity and should be taken into custody. A valid arrest warrant must contain:

Description of the arrestee
Name, if possible, but not always necessary provided there is a detailed description of the person
Facts that link the person to the arrest and show probable cause for arrest

How To Lookup Mugshots in Maine

Mugshots are photographs taken during the booking process of an individual taken into custody. They are publicly available and stored in various online databases provided by state police or county sheriff's offices. To access mugshots, inquirers may contact a local jail or search online databases using the individual's full name, birth date, incarceration date, or DOC number.

How To Search Inmate Records in Maine

Inmate records are publicly available and can be accessed on the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) official prisoner/probationer search website. These records include information on individuals held in custody or incarcerated in any facility under the administration of the MDOC, county jails, and correctional centers. To find inmate records, visit the MDOC search website and provide the necessary details such as the inmate's name or DOC number.

How To Find Maine Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal records in Maine are official documents containing information about a person’s interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are publicly available and stored by the Maine Bureau of Identification (SBI). To find these records, individuals may:

Obtain a fee waiver from the record custodian
Use third-party databases for free public criminal record checks

The completeness and accuracy of records from third-party databases are not guaranteed.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Maine?

Juvenile criminal records in Maine are classified as either confidential or public. A minor adjudicated for murder or Class A, B, or C offenses will appear in public juvenile court, generating publicly accessible records. Juvenile records of a Class D or E repeat offender may also be public unless sealed by a judge. Confidential juvenile records include those of minors adjudicated for a first-time Class D or E offense.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Maine

Sex offender records in Maine are public documents compiled in the Maine sex offender registry. The Maine Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act mandates that persons convicted of sex crimes register as sex offenders. These records are publicly available and maintained by the Maine SBI. Interested persons can perform a sex offender search to view current and updated information on registered sex offenders online.

Are Police Records Public Information in Maine?

Yes, police records in Maine are public records. These records are accessible pursuant to Maine's public record laws and are stored by law enforcement agencies. Police records may include:

Incident reports
Arrest records
Investigation reports
Traffic accident reports

To obtain police records, contact the police department where the record was generated. Written requests stating personal and contact information as well as details of the record of interest are typically required.

Maine Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Maine are crimes with lesser punishments than felonies. They are categorized as Class D and E offenses. Class D offenses are punishable by up to 364 days of confinement and a maximum fine of $2,000. Class E offenses are punishable by up to 6 months of confinement and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Maine Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony offenses in Maine fall within Class A, B, or C under the Maine Criminal Code. These include serious crimes such as manslaughter and aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs. The penalties for each class are:

Class A: Up to 30 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000
Class B: Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000
Class C: Up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000

Overview of Maine DUI Laws

An OUI in Maine (Operating Under the Influence) is a serious traffic violation involving driving while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances. Law enforcement officers use field sobriety tests and chemical tests to establish intoxication. Consequences for a first-time OUI include license suspension, fines, and jail time, with more severe penalties for repeat or aggravated offenses.

Are Maine Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Maine contain information on individuals ordered by the court to serve a specified period within the community under supervision. These records are publicly available and maintained by the Maine Department of Corrections, Adult Community Corrections. Probationers must abide by strict rules and conditions; violations may result in the revocation of probation or activation of the underlying sentence.

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