Criminal Defense Attorneys in Westbrook, Maine
Passionately representing the accused in Westbrook, Portland, South Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick and throughout Maine.
Have you been charged with a crime in Maine? Or, are you under investigation and suspect that charges are forthcoming? If so, you should talk to a criminal defense lawyer today. It is critical to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can advise you of your rights, and make sure that your rights are protected and closely guarded.
Free Initial Case Consultation
Our criminal defense lawyers at Douglas McDaniel & Campo provide free case consultations. Give us a call today if you think you or a loved one might need to hire a lawyer. Our law firm is conveniently based in our fully staffed Westbrook, Maine office. We represent clients facing criminal charges in Cumberland County, York County, Androscoggin County, Sagadahoc County and Oxford County.
We pride ourselves in keeping our clients informed and apprised of the status of their pending cases. Chances are, your court case is one of the biggest stressors in your life and we understand that.
The Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions and Maine Civil Traffic Offenses
Our criminal defense attorneys will advise you about any potential collateral consequences that can result from criminal or civil convictions or guilty pleas. Gone are the days when pleading guilty to a lesser offense had a limited impact on your future. Today, there are numerous concerns for those who receive a felony conviction and – what surprises many people – those who are convicted of certain misdemeanors or civil traffic offenses. These consequences can include:
- Difficulties with college applications and student loans eligibility
- Employers not wanting to hire you due to theft or drug offense convictions
- Firearms possession bans
- Bureau of Motor Vehicle license suspensions or revocations
- Bars to professional licensing (for example, nurses and CNAs)
- Immigration consequences
- Enhanced sentencing for future offenses
- Increased insurance rates (relating to motor vehicle offenses)
- And many, many more.
We cannot stress enough how every situation is unique. Your consequences to pleading guilty to what appears to be a minor misdemeanor charge may have unanticipated effects on your life and circumstances, than an acquaintance who pleads guilty to the same type of charge and has an all-together different situation.
We Defend Your Constitutional Rights
Did you know that in criminal cases, the burden is solely on the Prosecution to prove its case against the accused? The State has to prove its charge or charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a burden of proof that has been defined as “almost certainly true.” This does not mean possibly true, or likely true. Sometimes, the only evidence the prosecution has is enough to charge the case, but not enough for a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
As your criminal defense lawyers, we will make sure that the State of Maine has to work hard to prove its case and charges against you by, for example:
Analyzing potential 4th and 5th amendment violations surrounding arrest and investigation, including:
- The Constitutionality of stop and seizures
- The execution of search warrants for your home, vehicle, or person
- The process surrounding your Miranda Rights and any custodial interrogations that may have occurred during your arrest
Closely reviewing the State’s investigation discovery to determine inconsistencies with the piece evidence in your case, including:
- Inconsistent, or biased witness statements
- Inaccurate or confusing police reports
- Missing evidence
- Reviewing audio and visual recordings (such as police body cameras or cruiser cameras)
- Ensuring the “chain of custody” was not broken for seized evidence, such as blood samples.
Determining mitigating factors that may serve to:
- Dismiss your case all together
- Result in a reduction of a charge level (for example a “drop down” from a felony to a misdemeanor)
- An end result of lower sentencing
- Sentencing alternatives such as community service or the participation in a substance abuse program
Our office represents clients who have been charged with a variety of crimes, including, but not limited to:
- OUI (Operating Under the Influence)
- Motor Vehicle Offenses, including traffic citations
- Driving to Endanger charges
- Criminal speeding
- Criminal trespass
- Criminal mischief
- Alcohol possession by minors (such as college campus possession or at teen parties)
- Civil marijuana possession
- Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer (including “shoplifting” offenses)
- Theft by deception
- Theft by extortion
- Theft of services
- Forgery
- Negotiating a worthless Instrument
- Misuse of identification
- Receiving stolen property
- Unauthorized use of property (including motor vehicles)
- Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Reckless Conduct
- Failure to disperse
- Domestic Matters including Violation of Protection Orders
- Possession or distribution of dangerous knives
- Drug offenses
- Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife “Title 12” Violations
- City and Town Ordinance Violations such as dangerous dogs, littering, etc.
This list is not exhaustive of the charges we will defend. Please call to schedule a free consultation at 207-591-5747. If your criminal matter is not a case that we handle, we will point you in the right direction.