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Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence (DV) is one of the most traumatic and difficult legal cases a person can face. What often starts as a misunderstanding and a 911 call, can turn into a drastically unwanted situation with a couple forced to be apart against their wishes, and one of them facing jail time, a criminal record, and a loss of their second amendment rights.
Penalties for Domestic Violence cases:
While there is no standard or normal domestic violence assault case, usually they are charged or brought as class D misdemeanor crimes. Class D misdemeanor crimes in Maine carry maximum penalties for up to 364 days in jail and up to $2000.00 in fines. Domestic violence cases are also often started with the person being arrested and taken to the county jail. The county prosecutor or district attorney’s office is usually going to be requesting the person charged with a first offense DV case to plead guilty and go on probation for two years. This is a severe starting point punishment, with significant conditions and lots of jail time hanging over your head if you do not abide by conditions perfectly. This is especially harsh if you did not actually assault anyone! DV cases require immediate and significant work to be done to improve the first offer and the family dynamics involved. Domestic Violence cases are often brought as a result of chaotic, hearsay, he-said-she-said circumstances and need the expertise of criminal defense lawyer to untangle the allegations, and let reality be known.
No Contact Bail conditions in Maine Domestic Violence cases:
Of utmost significance, when a person is arrested for a domestic violence crime in Maine, there will almost always be no-contact bail conditions placed on the person charged. Those bail conditions usually prohibit all contact with the “alleged victim” or the accused’s significant other. Not surprisingly, this is often not what either of the couple want, and the no-contact condition of bail creates a significant hardship on the their family dynamic. Overcoming or changing that no-contact bail requirement is often the first concern. It is a critical first step because if the person charged violates that condition by having contact, they will be arrested, can be held in jail, and face even more serious, often felony level criminal charges. If this is a situation you are currently facing, reach out to a Maine criminal defense lawyer who is not intimidated by DV cases, and is prepared to file the paperwork to request the no contact bail conditions be amended as soon as possible. Those no contact conditions are not easy to amend, so speak with a defense lawyer immediately and make sure you are comfortable that you are hiring a defense lawyer who knows what is persuasive to Maine judges, and what steps you can make to better the chances of seeing your spouse or significant other as soon as possible.
Domestic Violence Testimonials
Domestic Violence client reviews from Avvo.com
Superb Lawyer
Mr. Cameron T. Ellis was an exemplary representative in my defense case. Not only did he handle all communication with the court and prosecutor on my behalf - my residence was 2+ hours from the court - but he explained all the proceedings in terms that I could understand. His advice led me towards pursuing the best possible outcome which, with time and patience, turned out to be a dismissal of my charge. In summary, I would highly recommend him to any and all who seek a defense attorney.
Excellence is an understatement
Cameron was amazing in his services in dismissing my domestic violence case. Glad to have a great lawyer to rely on!
Got my domestic violence charge dropped!!
Cameron believed I was innocent and listened to everything I had to say. He fought hard for my freedom. Cameron got my domestic violence charge dropped!! I highly recommend Cameron Ellis.
Wonderful Laywer!
Cameron is the first lawyer I have ever hired and I'm so glad I did. It's tremendously empowering to have a guy like this at your side. A very friendly, personable and caring lawyer!
Excellent and Professional
I had been charged with DV Assault in the midst of a divorce, and like the courts eventually agreed...no crime was committed. Without Attorney Ellis’s hard work and dedication, I would not have ended up with the highly unusual filing agreement I received. He was responsive and provided the guidance and support I needed as well as his legal assistance.
Professional, Experienced and Understanding
I found myself being charged with assault and had no idea where to turn having never been in trouble with the law...EVER!
I was lucky that I given his name and he was able to see me very quickly. He went step by step of how he was going to approach my case and made it very clear on what he needed from me in the way of documentation and other evidence. He stayed in touch with me through the entire case. With his help charges were dropped and I was able to retire to my life with out issue. He made a very stressful situation as stress free as possible.
I highly recommend his services. Thank you again Mr. Ellis!
Sigh of relief
The district attorney wanted me to do at least six months of jail. Cam got a private investigator and completely blew up the DA's case.with his help: no jail!
