Articles Posted in Sexual Assault

Statute of Limitations on Rape in Maine: What to Know

Published on: October 19, 2026 | by Webb Law Firm

What Is a Statute of Limitations and Why Does It Matter?

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A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. It sets the window of time the state has to file criminal charges – or a victim has to file a civil lawsuit – after an alleged offense. Once that window closes, prosecution or litigation generally cannot proceed.

These deadlines exist for practical reasons. Physical evidence degrades over time. Witnesses forget details or become unavailable. Courts also recognize a basic fairness interest: people should not live indefinitely under the threat of charges for conduct alleged years or decades earlier.

No Contact Order vs Restraining Order in Maine

Published on: May 14, 2023 | by Webb Law Firm

Webb Law Firm attorneys Nicole S. Williamson, Vincent S. LoConte, John S. Webb, and Bailey Lemieux

If you have been ordered to follow a no-contact order in southern Maine (Augusta Maine and south of there), you should not take any chances. Learning about the stipulations and conditions placed against you in a no-contact order could save you from having to face serious consequences – including jail time.

A no-contact order is often confused with a domestic violence restraining order, but the two are not the same. Plus, they can carry drastically different penalties. In general, a no contact order is issued AFTER a threatening encounter has taken place, whereas a restraining order (in Maine, a protection from abuse order) is a civil order that the person seeking protection asks the court for, and a final order requires a finding that abuse was committed unless both sides agree to the order. Abuse under Maine law includes threats, stalking and putting someone in fear of injury, not only physical violence. So, a restraining order is used to stop the abuse and prevent the potential for a dangerous situation that can result in serious domestic violence charges.

Does a No Contact Order Specify the Physical Distance That Must Be Obeyed?

Accused of Domestic Violence or Aggravated Assault in Maine: First Steps and How to Fight the Charges

Published on: April 6, 2020 | by Webb Law Firm

What To Do First After a Domestic Violence Accusation

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If you have been accused of domestic violence or domestic aggravated assault in Maine, you need to act quickly. The decisions you make in the first hours and days after an accusation can shape your entire case outcome. Whether you face a misdemeanor domestic violence charge or a felony aggravated assault allegation, early action matters.

This guide covers what domestic violence charges mean under Maine law. It explains the penalties you could face, what steps to take right away, and how a defense attorney can help fight these charges. In our experience representing clients accused of domestic violence in southern Maine, one critical early decision stands out. Many people speak with police before consulting an attorney. Too often, they try to explain their side and end up making things worse.