Public Safety
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence
The Maine Legislature has zero tolerance for domestic violence.
That is why domestic violence crimes involving assault, threatening,
terrorizing, stalking, and reckless conduct will now be classified
as Class C crimes. Protecting the safety of Maine families
is always a top priority.
CSI: Maine
We understand the importance of DNA in helping solve criminal
cases. That is why DNA will now be collected from any person
convicted
of a Class D or E crime if they previously committed a felony
prior to 1996.
Restricting Offenders, Keeping our Kids Safe
With over 2,700 sex offenders across Maine, a reasonable plan
to protect children and keep track of sex offenders is needed.
The Sex Offender Restricted Zones legislation enacted this session
provides that safety and security.
The bill meets the desired goals of keeping sex offenders away
from kids, while overcoming most of the challenges to residency
restriction laws.
First, the law prohibits sex offenders from being near most public
or private spaces where children are typically the focus, and
sex offenders who violate the new sex offender restricted zones
will be charged with a Class D crime.
Secondly, the law creates a new Class E crime of prohibited contact
with a minor. The law makes it a crime for a sex offender to have
contact with a child under the age of 14.
Updated August 2007
