Most criminal defense attorneys in Maine offer an initial consultation. Some charge a fee to interview you but our criminal lawyers in Maine do not do that.
Our goal is to provide an accused citizen an immediate overview of her or his pending criminal case because in some cases (e.g., OUI-DUI defense) these drivers need IMMEDIATE assistance in dealing with Maine’s strict implied consent laws for operating under the influence arrests.
About 45% of all our Firm’s clients each year need our help as Maine DUI lawyers. Your arresting officer likely used our state’s acronym, O-U-I, for operating under the influence. Also, with recent changes to weed laws, we often are asked to be marijuana lawyers in Maine for clients.
Who Are the Maine Attorneys at Our Law Firm?
All four of our Maine OUI attorneys are highly trained on how to challenge extremely serious motor vehicle crimes. By not dabbling in civil litigation cases, our focus is all criminal defense. So, if you are in need of an aggressive and knowledgeable Maine OUI lawyer you have found the right website.
John S. Webb, our founding partner, is America’s best known Maine DUI attorney, based on his national lectures as an invited speaker on drunk driving laws. Few criminal litigation lawyers in Maine have handled more contested criminal legal representation relating to traffic laws.
Your criminal law attorney is there to help you understand your rights. He or she will fight for the best outcome for you by looking for errors (e.g., by faulty instructions or demonstration of the field sobriety tests) by law enforcement that can turn the tide in your favor.
Whether you face OUI charges, family violence litigation, or other legal issues, taking the right steps now is important. Early contact with a lawyer can help you understand your situation better. This can lead to smarter choices and may reduce long-term problems.
By using this NO COST opportunity to discuss your case with an experienced Maine criminal attorney, this allows you a chance to ask about their Maine lawyers’ collective experience, and understand their approach to your defense.
Our Criminal Lawyers Portland Maine and Throughout Southern Maine
Our four Maine criminal defense lawyers spend all our time litigating in southern Maine defending you as your Portland Maine criminal attorney, or being your Maine marijuana lawyers in the city of Saco Maine, Waterville Maine or Ellsworth Maine. Because it is the largest population city, our top city for volume of cases is for acting as a criminal defense attorney Portland Maine.
This meeting with a criminal attorney in Maine (which can be in-person, via Zoom or by telephone) is also a chance to gauge their interest in your case and their proposed strategy. An attorney who takes the time to explain legal procedures and answer your questions demonstrates a commitment to your case.
After selecting your lawyer, there are several actions you can take to get ready for your case:
- Gather any evidence that might bolster your case, such as receipts, witness testimonies, or any communication related to the incident. This can be vital in constructing a robust defense.
- In some criminal law cases, creating a detailed record of your activities and locations on the day of arrest can help. This can support your alibi or challenge the prosecution’s timeline. It may lead to a better verdict for you.
- Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process. However, it helps to know what to expect whether you need lawyers in Waterford Maine, an attorney in Ellsworth Maine or an OUI defense attorney, or in downtown Biddeford Maine.
- This includes court appearances, possible plea deals, and your case timeline. Understanding the steps and possible results can reduce stress. It also helps you be ready for each part of your legal journey.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Portland Maine
A criminal defense attorney plays an important role in the legal system. Finding a lawyer who knows Maine’s laws is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the right defense attorney:
- Experience with OUI Cases: Look for lawyers who have successfully handled OUI cases. They should understand the details of Maine’s laws. A lawyer’s past successes can demonstrate their skills. These skills help them handle similar cases. They also prepare them for the unique challenges each case presents.
- Check the reputation of potential attorneys.
- Read client reviews about the attorneys you are vetting to be your legal warrior.
- Verify their status with local bar associations. Client testimonials can demonstrate how good an attorney is. They also show how well the attorney communicates and supports clients during legal matters.
- Accessibility and Communication: Pick an attorney who is easy to reach and communicates clearly about your case. Regular updates and open communication are important for a good attorney-client relationship. This ensures you stay informed at every step.
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Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Over Other Firms
When you search for a “criminal defense attorney near me,” you see a long list of lawyers who all claim to fight for you. The reality is that not every lawyer handles serious criminal cases every day, and not every firm invests the time and training it takes to challenge police and prosecutors effectively.
At Webb Law Firm, criminal defense is a core focus, not a side practice. Our attorneys handle OUI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, theft, and other serious offenses in Maine courts every week. We prepare every case with the expectation that we may need to fight in court, not just accept the first plea offer.
How Webb Law Firm Compares
Use this comparison to see how our approach stacks up against many other options you might find when you search for “criminal defense attorneys near me”:
| Factor | Webb Law Firm | Many Other Options |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Criminal defense and OUI cases in Maine courts | Mixed practice with civil or injury cases |
| Experience | 30+ years of combined criminal defense experience | May include lawyers who rarely try criminal cases |
| Training | Advanced training in OUI, field sobriety tests, and evidence challenges | Basic continuing legal education only |
| Strategy | Early, detailed review of reports, videos, and test results; aggressive motions when warranted | Heavy reliance on quick plea deals |
| Communication | Direct access to your attorney and clear updates | Communication filtered through layers of staff |
| Availability | Free consultation and prompt response when you call | Slower response times and limited availability |
No lawyer can promise a result. What Webb Law Firm can promise is that we take your case seriously, we prepare thoroughly, and we give you honest advice about your options at every step.
Types of Criminal Charges We Handle
If you are looking for “criminal defense lawyers near me,” you probably want to know whether your specific charge is something the firm sees regularly. Webb Law Firm handles a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases throughout Maine.
OUI and Serious Traffic Offenses
A large part of our practice involves OUI and serious driving offenses, including:
- OUI involving alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs
- Refusal to submit to a test
- Criminal speeding and driving to endanger
- Reckless conduct and serious injury crashes
OUI cases move fast and often involve both a court case and a license suspension through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. We review traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood tests carefully and challenge them when the facts support it.
Drug Possession and Drug Trafficking
We defend people charged with:
- Possession of controlled substances
- Trafficking and aggravated trafficking
- Prescription drug offenses
- Possession with intent to distribute
Drug cases usually turn on searches, warrants, vehicle stops, and how officers handled your statements. We focus on the legality of the stop and search, chain of custody, and lab issues that can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Assault, Domestic Violence, and Protection Orders
Assault and domestic violence charges carry serious consequences, including jail time, loss of firearm rights, and long-term impact on jobs and relationships. Webb Law Firm handles:
- Domestic violence assault
- Simple and aggravated assault
- Violations of protection from abuse or protection from harassment orders
These cases often depend on credibility, 911 recordings, injuries, and prior history. We gather all available evidence and push back when the allegations do not match the facts.
Theft, Burglary, and Property Crimes
If you face a theft-related charge, you risk “dishonesty” labels that follow you for years. We represent clients charged with:
- Shoplifting and theft
- Burglary and criminal trespass
- Robbery and related violent theft offenses
- Criminal mischief and property damage
We look at surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to expose weaknesses and pursue outcomes that protect your record when possible.
Sex Crimes and Sensitive Allegations
Sex crime accusations can bring harsh penalties and long-term registration requirements. These cases demand discretion, careful investigation, and a strong defense strategy from the start. Webb Law Firm handles serious sex offense allegations and works to challenge unreliable statements, flawed investigations, and problematic forensic evidence.
Weapons Charges, Probation Violations, and Warrants
We also represent clients charged with:
- Illegal possession of firearms or other weapons
- Reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon
- Violations of probation or conditions of release
- Bench warrants and failure-to-appear issues
We look at the full picture, including any underlying cases, so we can address everything in a coordinated way rather than piece by piece.
Serving Clients Across Southern and Central Maine
When people search for “criminal defense attorneys near me,” they want someone who actually appears in their local courts. Webb Law Firm represents clients across a wide stretch of Maine, including:
- Portland and the surrounding communities in Cumberland County
- Saco, Biddeford, and other York County towns
- Brunswick and nearby coastal communities
- Augusta and Waterville in central Maine
- Ellsworth and surrounding areas
If your case is in one of these courts, you will work with an attorney who understands how that courthouse operates, how local prosecutors handle cases, and what strategies tend to work best in that location.
Meet Our Maine Criminal Defense Attorneys
When you hire Webb Law Firm, you are not just hiring a name on a website. You are hiring specific lawyers who will stand next to you in court, review your file, return your calls, and guide you through the process.
You can use this section to introduce your team in more depth than the homepage allows. For example:
- A short paragraph about John Webb’s years in practice, the types of criminal and OUI cases he focuses on, and any advanced training or teaching he does for other lawyers.
- Brief profiles for each attorney on the team, highlighting their courtroom experience, previous work in prosecution or defense, and the kinds of cases they handle most often.
- Key credentials such as bar admissions, professional memberships, and specialized training that matter in criminal defense.
Place attorney photos and credentials next to these profiles so visitors can immediately connect names, faces, and experience with the “criminal defense attorneys near me” they see online.
You can also support this section with a short embedded video introduction from John Webb, where he explains how Webb Law Firm approaches criminal cases and what clients can expect in their first meeting.
Real-World Results and Experience
No two criminal cases are the same, and no responsible lawyer can guarantee what will happen in your case. Still, it helps to know that the lawyers you hire have handled serious matters before.
In this section, you can briefly highlight examples such as:
- OUI jury trials where the jury returned not-guilty verdicts after the defense challenged field sobriety tests or breath test results.
- Domestic violence or assault cases where the charges were reduced or dismissed after aggressive investigation and motion practice.
- Drug cases where illegal searches or search-warrant problems led to favorable outcomes.
- Serious felony cases where careful negotiation and preparation helped clients avoid the most severe consequences.
Keep the descriptions high-level, avoid names or identifying details, and add a clear statement that past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Maine
Use this FAQ block toward the bottom of the page to capture additional “near me” and intent-based searches and to answer the questions people have right after an arrest.
What should I do right after an arrest?
- Stay calm and do not argue with officers on the street or at the station.
- Politely state that you want a lawyer and that you will not answer questions until you speak with one.
- Do not discuss the case on recorded jail phones, text messages, or social media.
- Write down everything you remember about the stop, conversation, and arrest.
- Call 207-283-6400 as soon as possible to schedule a consultation with Webb Law Firm.
The sooner you involve a criminal defense attorney, the more options you usually have.
How long does a criminal case in Maine usually take?
The timeline depends on:
- The type of charge (misdemeanor vs. felony)
- The court and county where your case is pending
- Whether your case resolves through negotiation or goes to trial
- How much evidence we need to review and investigate
Some misdemeanors resolve in a few months. Felony cases, especially those involving serious injury or complex evidence, often take longer. At your consultation, Webb Law Firm will walk you through a realistic timeline based on your specific charges.
What does a criminal defense attorney actually do?
A criminal defense attorney:
- Explains the charges, penalties, and collateral consequences in plain language
- Reviews police reports, videos, and test results in detail
- Investigates your side of the story and interviews witnesses
- Files motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or statements
- Negotiates with prosecutors and advises you on plea offers
- Represents you at hearings and trial when you choose to contest the charges
You should feel that your lawyer is both your guide and your shield throughout the process.
Do I really need a local criminal defense lawyer near me?
Yes. Criminal cases are local. Judges, prosecutors, and procedures vary from court to court. A lawyer who regularly appears in Portland, Saco, Brunswick, Augusta, Waterville, Ellsworth, and other Maine courts understands how those courts operate and what strategies make the most sense there. That local experience can matter when your freedom, license, and record are on the line.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney?
Costs vary based on the seriousness of the charge, the stage of the case, and how much work the defense will require. Webb Law Firm offers a free consultation so you can learn what you are facing, what options you have, and what hiring a criminal defense attorney will look like before you make a decision.
Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
Close the page with a direct, clear call-to-action that reinforces your experience and tells visitors exactly what to do:
If you or a family member faces criminal charges anywhere in southern or central Maine, you do not have to go through this alone. Webb Law Firm offers free consultations and focuses on defending people against OUI and criminal charges in Maine courts.
Call 207-283-6400 now to speak with a criminal defense attorney near you and get a plan in place.