Lawyers Directory Maine: March 2016

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Maine | Anti Trust Laws

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Certain monopolies cannot breach the anti trust laws in Maine

Market competition and fair chance of entering markets is of prime importance, when it comes to federal laws connected to businesses and the economic environment. Anti trust laws are primarily focused on any businesses that may in any way violate the fair business environment in Maine. This may happen by any deals that are made to create a favorable outcome in situations, which should be left to the internal workings of the market. A monopoly is one of the terms that is frequently mentioned in the anti trust laws. However, it is important to note that certain monopolies are exempt from not being able to exist.

- de facto - monopolies that cannot exist and are investigated under the anti trust laws; illegal

- de jure - monopolies that exist in industries protected by the government; legal

If you have questions or concerns regarding your company’s position, contact the a lawyer on starlaw.us

Single companies building their presence as a monopoly are not the only concern for the anti trust laws in Maine. A large second group are deals between companies that tend to tilt the advantage in the business environment heavily towards these partners. This partnership may come in the form of agreements, partnership offers, or M&As. Either way, if the action results in an overall unfavorable competition environment, investigation will be put forth. There are several government institutions that ensure the compliance with anti trust laws.

Contact a lawyer on starlaw.us in case your business has become a target for anti trust law investigation.

Anti trust law violations do not only impact the businesses that are involved in the illegal actions. If a company is put under investigation, any managers or responsible persons will be investigated as well. If charges are confirmed by the court, these employees may face not only civil, but also criminal punishment. These may include fines and prison time.

If you have run into problems with anti trust laws, contact the lawyers at starlaw.us we can help you understand your situation and find the best solution.

Lawyers Directory

Androscoggin County, Maine, Aroostook County, Maine, Cumberland County, Maine, Franklin County, Maine, Hancock County, Maine, Kennebec County, Maine, Knox County, Maine, Lincoln County, Maine, Oxford County, Maine, Penobscot County, Maine, Piscataquis County, Maine, Sagadahoc County, Maine, Somerset County, Maine, Waldo County, Maine, Washington County, Maine, York County, Maine.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Maine | Murder Defense

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When it comes to criminal offenses, murder is usually considered one of the worst out of all them. Depending on the state that you are in, the death penalty could be an option if your criminal defense does not go correctly. This is why you need to have the right defense on your side from the beginning and the professionals the lawyers on starlaw.us are the perfect ones to be there for all your needs.

Homicide Crimes

In order to be convicted of murder in the first degree, the prosecution must show, well beyond a reasonable doubt, that you as the defendant had an intent to inflict serious injury or to kill the victim, that you knew that there was a high chance of the victim being killed, or that you killed the victim while doing a felony. If you are convicted of this kind of criminal offense, you will have to spend at least 20 years in jail.

In some cases, your defense might be able to reduce your sentence to second degree, which can give you some relief. Second degree murder is given if your defense is able to prove that the murder was committed with a sudden passion which the victim provoked or that the violence had a legal justification. This offers a 4 to 20 year sentence, but often defendants can get an offer of probation after a short amount of time.

Going through these murky waters on your own is a challenge. You don’t want to try and show a reduction from first degree to second degree all on your own as this often looks like a ploy when the defendant does it themselves. With the help of the professionals at starlaw.us you can get a better defense and get a lesser sentence.

Our Defense

When you contact starlaw.us you will get one on one personal attention to meet all your needs. First we will look through your information and see what facts can be used to defend you. After that, we will look through the facts that the prosecution is using. We can tear it apart and ensure that all information is factual and that circumstantial evidence is not being used. When these facts are used, it is possible to get the case thrown out all together if the prosecution cannot come up with another case. If you still go to trial, our professionals will work to create some reasonable doubt in the jurors, only one or two are needed, to get you off or a reduced sentence.

At starlaw.us we strive to provide our clients with the best legal team possible for forgery and fraud. If you find yourself facing these kinds of charges, please feel free to contact the defense attorneys on starlaw.us as soon as possible so that we can evaluate your case and get you the help you need. Ask for a free initial consultation.

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Maine | Minor Possession Alcohol

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Each state has their own set of underage drinking laws that are meant to target the sales as well as the possession of alcohol to minors. In 1984, Maine joined in with the rest of the states in the nation and raised their minimum drinking age to 21. This means that any minor who is caught with alcohol, anyone under the age of 21, as well as anyone who is caught selling alcohol to one of these minors, could face some stiff penalties with the law. Keep in mind that these rules are usually going to target public possession, but some states do have laws regarding the consumption of alcohol by minors in private. If you are facing charges of minor possession, make sure to contact a professional criminal defense lawyer to help you keep your record clean.

Definition of Alcohol

There are some definitions in place concerning alcohol in most states. The Drinking Age Act, which was adopted in Maine, defines alcohol as:

Stout, porter, ale, beer, and any other fermented beverages that will contain one half of 1 percent by volume of alcohol. Wine or Distilled spirits

It is important to not drink any of these options in public if you would like to keep your record clean and avoid other issues along the way.

Public Possession

For most states, the law for underage drinking is going to relate to public consumption. States don’t put much emphasis on drinking inside the home for most individuals, but once the minor gets out of their home and is drinking in public, problems can occur. Any time that you are out in a public place and under the age of 21, regardless of what you are allowed at your home, you should not be drinking.

There are a few exceptions to this public possession rule. Some of these include:

Minor using alcohol for religious purposes—this could include having the wine in Communion or other uses as long as the reason is established and it is allowed by the parent or guardian.

Medical purposes—there needs to be written approval by a nurse, hospital, doctor or other professional for giving this to a minor.

Private clubs and establishments—some of these can allow minors to drink.

Lawful employment with a retailer or manufacturer who is licensed to sell these kinds of beverages.

If you are uncertain about whether you are allowed to drink in public as a minor, it is best to just avoid it all together. This can cause some hefty charges that you don’t want to deal with and can harm your future. If you do have charges of underage drinking brought against you, make sure to hire a professional criminal lawyer to help you out and to keep this little mishap off your record.

Penalties for Underage Drinking

If you are the minor who is caught drinking, you can face criminal offenses. If you are convicted, this could mean diversion programs, fines, and jail time. Often it will include community service and you will have this criminal offense placed on your record.

If you provide the alcohol to the minor, you are going to face hefty fines, jail time, revocations of your license, and so much more. It is not worth it to sell these beverages to a minor as these charges can ruin your record, put you in jail, and makes it very hard to run your business.

Any time you are dealing with the charges of underage drinking, whether you are the minor or the provider, make sure to contact a certified criminal lawyer to help you out and keep your fines, penalties, and jail time to a minimum.

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