Criminal Defense Lawyers

How Do Maine’s Sentencing Guidelines Treat Juvenile Offenders?

Understanding Maine’s Juvenile Justice System

In Maine, the juvenile justice system operates quite differently than the adult criminal justice system. The primary focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment135. Juvenile courts have their own unique procedures, rules and guidelines aimed at providing young offenders with care, guidance, appropriate treatment and services, as well as consequences for their actions5.Some key differences between the juvenile and adult justice systems in Maine:

• Juvenile proceedings are closed and confidential to protect minors’ privacy3
• Juveniles “admit” to charges rather than plead guilty and are “adjudicated” rather than found guilty by a judge13
• Courts have broad discretion to impose alternative sentences focused on rehabilitation3
• Most juvenile adjudications remain private, with the exception of felony cases which are public record14

The Juvenile Court Process

A typical juvenile case in Maine begins with the filing of a police complaint after a minor is arrested or issued a summons13. The case is then assigned to a Juvenile Community Corrections Officer (JCCO) who reviews the complaint and facts of the case135.At this stage, the JCCO has two options:

1. Engage in an “informal adjustment” by working directly with the juvenile to address concerning behaviors, allowing them to avoid formal charges13
2. Petition the District Attorney to press formal charges, sending the case to juvenile court13

If a case does proceed to juvenile court, it’s important to understand that minors have the right to be represented by an attorney, just like in adult court13. Having skilled legal counsel is crucial for defending against the charges and mitigating potential consequences.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Maine

Juveniles in Maine can be prosecuted for nearly all the same crimes as adults, with a few additional offenses specific to minors such as134:

• Underage drinking
• Minor in possession of alcohol
• Underage OUI (operating under the influence)
• Certain motor vehicle offenses like speeding or texting while driving

More serious charges juveniles may face include13:

• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Assault
• Theft
• Robbery

In extreme cases involving severe felonies like murder, a minor could potentially be prosecuted as an adult. However, the vast majority of juvenile crimes remain under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court system13.

Underage OUI: A Closer Look

Operating under the influence (OUI) is one of the more serious offenses a minor can be charged with in Maine. The state has a zero tolerance law for underage drinking and driving4.If a minor under 21 is caught driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system, they can be charged with underage OUI. The penalties are steep, even for a first offense4:

• Minimum $500 fine
• Mandatory 48 hours in jail
• License suspension for at least one year

Subsequent underage OUI offenses carry even harsher consequences. In addition to the legal ramifications, an underage OUI conviction can have long-lasting negative impacts on a young person‘s life, affecting everything from college admissions to future employment opportunities4.If your child is facing underage OUI charges, it’s absolutely critical to seek out an experienced juvenile defense attorney who can fight the allegations and work to minimize the potential fallout.

Sentencing and Penalties for Juvenile Offenders

When a juvenile admits to or is adjudicated for an offense, Maine‘s juvenile courts have a lot of leeway in determining an appropriate sentence. The primary consideration is crafting a disposition that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment135.Some common sentencing options Maine juvenile courts utilize include13:

• Probation with conditions like counseling, substance abuse treatment, etc.
• Community service
• Restitution to victims
• Fines
• Placement in a residential treatment program
• Removal from parental custody
• Commitment to a youth detention facility

Courts carefully weigh factors like the severity of the offense, the juvenile‘s prior record, their individual needs and more when deciding on a disposition1. Two juveniles who commit the same offense could receive very different sentences based on their unique circumstances.In general, courts try to avoid juvenile detention except in cases involving serious charges or repeat offenders1. The goal is to address the root causes behind a young person’s behavior and provide them with the support and services needed to get back on a positive path.However, it‘s important for juveniles and their families to understand that being adjudicated for an offense can still carry significant long-term consequences, even if the juvenile avoids detention.

Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Adjudications

While juvenile records are generally sealed and proceedings are confidential, there are still many potential collateral consequences that can stem from a juvenile adjudication in Maine124:

• Difficulty obtaining financial aid for college, as certain offenses can impact eligibility
• Ineligibility for some professional licenses
• Mandatory disclosure of juvenile offenses on some job applications
• Restrictions on driving privileges
• Limitations on military service eligibility
• Possible sex offender registration for certain offenses
• Enhanced penalties if convicted of crimes as an adult in the future

The specific collateral consequences will depend on the nature of the offense. More serious felony-level juvenile adjudications tend to have the most far-reaching impacts12.

It’s also critical to recognize that while most juvenile records are confidential, felony adjudications in Maine are public14. This means anyone could potentially access information about a juvenile’s felony offense.However, Maine does offer juveniles an opportunity to petition the court to seal public felony adjudication records. To be eligible, the juvenile must4:

1. Wait at least 3 years after the adjudication
2. Have no subsequent criminal convictions during that time
3. Have no pending criminal cases

If a judge grants the petition, the felony juvenile record will be sealed from public view, though it will still be accessible to law enforcement4.An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can advise on the potential collateral consequences in a specific case and explore options for relief such as sealing records.